In Canada, commodities are key to our economic progress and stability. Economic and energy resource geology contribute to this prosperity today and will continue to be a driving force in the future nationally and globally.
Western recognizes this. The University believes making a significant investment today will allow us to feed the industry with exploration geologists equipped with the knowledge, training, and skills required to lead the way successfully and responsibly.
The goal is to become the premier institution in the country for undergraduate and graduate students. Western will provide a strong foundation in economic and energy resource geology. Additionally, students will be provided the experiences needed to develop vital skills. They will be equipped with the ability to adapt and thrive in ever changing and demanding roles.
The University has shown its support for this $41.7 million initiative by committing $23.1 million. This is more than 55 per cent of the total cost. The remaining $18.6 million, will be raised through support from industry and private partners. We will also look to alumni. Some have already graciously and generously given, becoming leaders within the Initiative itself.
The Initiative will return Earth Sciences to its roots. It will build upon existing strengths within the Department that has graduated leaders within the industry. More than 64 alumni holding CEO, President, Vice-President and other high level executive positions graduated from Western's Department of Earth Sciences. It will pay homage to those who came before as professors, mentors and enthusiastic students. It will pave the way for an even brighter future. The focus will be on exploration geology for both soft rock and hard rock sectors. It will ensure the needs of the entire mineral resource sector are successfully met.
In order to accomplish this, the Initiative has been broken down into three main areas: People, Spaces, Facilities & Partnerships and Students
People: A first priority is to support student learning through the engagement of gifted and experienced faculty who in their roles as professors, mentors, and leaders will effectively facilitate leading teaching and research.
Some of the key position highlights thus far include:
- Chair created in Petroleum Geology- Dr. Burns Cheadle took on Associate Professor and Chair duties of The Bill Bell Chair this past September
- Chair created in Economic Geology-The Robert W. Hodder Chair had a call for applications closing in September. A short list of four outstanding candidates will be announced in the near future with a candidate in place January 1, 2010
- The establishment of the Richard W. Hutchinson Visiting Industrial Professor in Economic Geology-Dr. John Armstrong has been named to this position
Spaces, Facilities and Partnerships: Western is committed to providing state-of-the-art environments for faculty and students. Several key projects are underway. An invesment of than $20 million in refurbishing the Biology-Geology Building and enclosing the North Campus Building to the ecosystems of the Biotron. There are new laboratories for GIS and Petrology, a repository and museum also underway. Some other key components include:
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Practical experiences such as field workshops here in North America and abroad
- Dedicated funds for on-site field schools
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Clusters of field-based, ore deposit researchers within the Department who will attract more students at the undergraduate and graduate levels
Students: Western is focused on solidifying its position as the place to go for Economic and Energy Resource Geology. This includes a 4-year professional degree program will be developed. There will be a focus on field-based, industry relevant curriculum. There will be an expansion of field schools. Further still, the Initiative will focus on:
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New courses in keeping with the ever changing demands of the industry and the advancements in technology which support it
- An accelerated Masters Program
- Scholarships and support for students. This will ensure the best students from around the globe choose to study with the Department at Western. It also provides a means for industry to partner in support of scholarships
It’s an ambitious Initiative but one we are determined to succeed at accomplishing.
For more information on the Initiative to Enhance Economic and Energy Resource Geology and how you might be able to partner with us in the Initiative visit here or contact Grant Stirling: gstirli3@uwo.ca or Paula Luchak paula.luchak@uwo.ca.
