Inspiring budding scientists

Jennifer Beaudry didn’t always know that she would end up working in Canada’s mining sector—let alone as a staff scientist inspiring the next generation. “My focus initially was going to be environmental work in the mining sector,” she said. “I worked for an engineering firm for about five years. I was doing risk management and risk assessment on inactive mine sites across Canada.” Beaudry gained a college degree as a chemical technician, a bachelor of science degree in environmental earth science and a certificate in environmental biology before finding her place at the engineering firm.

Life, however, can lead us in different directions than we originally plan. “I ended up having a family and decided that I didn’t want to do as much travelling,” Beaudry said. “When the opportunity came up to work at Dynamic Earth, I jumped on it.” Beaudry grew up in Sudbury, Ontario, with Science North, an interactive science musuem, close by. “I can remember going to Science North in school. Every field trip was to Science North.” In high school, she had the opportunity to work at the science centre, learning the tricks of the trade from those above her. 

Science North, which opened in 1984, also owns and operates Sudbury's Dynamic Earth facility, an earth sciences exhibition that houses the famous Big Nickel. 

“When Dynamic Earth opened its doors in 2003, I was part of the first underground tour guides,” Beaudry said. At this point, her work at Dynamic Earth and Science North neatly aligned with the post-secondary education she was enrolled in. “I was able to take what I was learning in school and apply it to the underground tours and my interactions with visitors.”

Beaudry's acceptance of her current position as staff scientist felt like a welcome homecoming. Now, she is responsible for the daily operations and visitor experience. That includes content creation and training staff. “I use my passion in mining and sciences to be able to inspire, teach and communicate how important mining and earth sciences are to our visitors,” she said. 

“I think Science North helped establish that I wanted to be somewhere in the science and technology world when I was growing up,” she said. “Whether that was specifically mining—I’m not 100 per cent sure.” Her interest in mining solidified during conversations with Dr. Dave Pearce, a mentor and thesis advisor of hers in university. “Having sat down with him in university before I even chose to go into environmental earth sciences is what inspired me. He asked me point blank: ‘What are the things that you like?’” Clarity was the result— a career in mining and earth sciences made sense.

The famous Big Nickel is an exact replica of the Canadian 1951 nickel. — Photo: Jennifer Beaudry

Beaudry spends her days passing insight and inspiration on to the young visitors at Dynamic Earth, with the hope that they have the same sort of “aha” moment. “I love talking to people and inspiring people. It just so happens that my passion lies in earth sciences, geology and mining,” she said. “I love talking to visitors of all ages and all demographics, and inspiring them towards potential careers in that sector is unbelievable.” The most rewarding aspect of her job is seeing the influence she has on their understanding of science and mining. “It’s amazing to watch them spark.”

To the younger generation, a career in mining may not initially seem hugely appealing. “In order to inspire them, we have to teach them that the mining sector isn’t what it used to be,” Beaudry said. Technology, she thinks, is the best way to sway them. “You’re not just going underground with a pickaxe and a drill. It’s changed so much. The innovation in the field is incredible.” Dynamic Earth does a great job at showcasing the technology used in the mining sector. The interactive exhibits that Beaudry has played a major role in developing are designed to get visitors excited about the innovation of the industry.

One of the most important lessons Beaudry hopes to share with her visitors at Dynamic Earth is that it’s OK to not end up where you originally thought you would. “Even though I’m not involved in the mine site, I still am involved in the industry,” she said. She stays on top of the ever-changing industry so that she can provide appropriate exhibit content, workshops and programs, and train staff. Rather than working on site, she connects the younger generation to unlimited opportunities.