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"I have been able to assist other students with field work, and learn about their research through discussions and presentations. Doing so has broadened my knowledge in my field, and allowed me to learn skills not required for my direct research."
Jason Connelly
Earth Sciences master's student in the Faculty of Science
I am a first year Master’s of Science student in the Earth Sciences department. I graduated in 2022 from a Bachelors of Geological Engineering program at the University of Waterloo in Ontario. In my free time I enjoy running and cross country skiing; I am planning on running my second marathon in 2023.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
I chose to come to SFU because of the excellent research opportunities. My research project allows me to develop many skills that I view as important to my future success. SFU is also located close to many interesting geological sites, allowing me to get a hands-on learning experience available in few other places.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
For my thesis I am studying landslide occurrence in the Mount Meager area, 60 km northwest of Pemberton, British Columbia. The first component of my research will produce a statistical landslide map, which describes where landslides are more likely to occur based on where they previously occurred and factors that are known to produce landslides (such as slope angle). The second component of my thesis involves detailed three-dimensional numerical modelling of select slopes in Mount Meager. Models will incorporate field observations and results of laboratory testing on rock samples. My research will create new inputs for landslide hazard maps in the area and increase the understanding of landslide causes and behavior in Mount Meager.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
I am enjoying the range of research opportunities in the department. I have been able to assist other students with field work, and learn about their research through discussions and presentations. Doing so has broadened my knowledge in my field, and allowed me to learn skills not required for my direct research.
HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.
My research has been partially funded through a NSERC CGS-M scholarship along with a Mitacs Accelerate grant. This funding has allowed me to transition directly to graduate studies from an undergraduate program without added financial stress.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?
So far, my graduate degree has combined a broad range of activities and learning types. In summers, I am often busy with field work collecting data for my thesis or helping other student's collect their data. The rest of the year I am busy taking classes related to my research, or processing my data and making progress on my research endeavors.
Contact Jason: jpc19@sfu.ca