IMII believes in diversity and inclusion in Saskatchewan’s minerals industry’s workforce and the future of the industry as one of the world’s most sustainable and innovative. In 2019, IMII created the Mining Futures Award, valued at $12,000, to help undergraduate students currently enrolled in one of three Mining Engineering Options at the University of Saskatchewan cover most of the costs for tuition, books, instruments, and fees. In our second year, Jodi Boser was announced as the winner at the College of Engineering 62nd Awards ceremony last night.
Following a one-week work experience program in high school with Cameco’s metallurgical engineering team and geotechnical contractors, Jodi knew her future was in the mining industry and is now in her third year of geological engineering with the mining engineering option. Having completed a one-year internship with Nutrien’s Potash Mine Development Team in 2020, she worked on a variety of projects and gained a true appreciation and understanding of what mining engineering entails. Her interest in soft rock mining has increased significantly and she is hoping to pursue a career in the potash industry once she has completed her degree in 2022.
“It is difficult for me to put into words how grateful I am to receive this award. Getting support from industry professionals is incredibly humbling and validating. It gives me a lot of hope to see that many organizations are pushing for positive change with respect to diversity and inclusion to STEM fields. Knowing that my potential is being recognized has definitely provided me with new motivation to finish my degree and has made me feel even more excited about my future career.”
Jodi also currently holds several volunteer student roles, including secretary of the CIM Saskatoon Student Chapter, 2020/2021 Student Campus Ambassador for Nutrien, and the incoming Co-Captain of the USask Canadian Mining Games Team.
On behalf of the minerals industry, congratulations and we look forward to working with you in the future!
For more information about IMII and its diversity and inclusion efforts please see Education & Training Programs (imii.ca). For more information about IMII’s scholarships please see Scholarships (imii.ca).