Dr. Heather Jamieson: Environmental Geochemist & Mentor in Mining Reclamation
Take a break, we're on Smoko. This week, we’re joined by Dr. Heather Jamieson, Professor Emerita at Queen's University, where she taught for over 22 years in both the Department of Environmental Studies and the Department of Geosciences and Geological Science Engineering.
Dr. Jamieson takes us through her path into geology, sparked by working alongside pioneering women geologists during her formative years. Her story is rooted in curiosity and grounded in science that directly impacts communities—particularly her research on mineralogical controls on metal mobility, such as arsenic, in mine waste.
"Once you start working with the land, you realize how much it has to teach." – Dr. Heather Jamieson
This episode offers a deep dive into the evolution of environmental geochemistry and its essential role in public health and environmental protection. Dr. Jamieson discusses how fieldwork shaped her perspective and how the perception of environmental science has changed over the decades—from being dismissed as a “girly science” to becoming a central pillar of sustainability and remediation efforts.
Dr. Jamieson also shares insights from her years of mentoring graduate students, reflecting on the skills and sensitivities that make for an impactful academic guide. From complex mine reclamation work to the joys and challenges of teaching, her reflections are both deeply personal and professionally profound.