Education, Outreach and YES Subcommittee

Chairs

  • Courtney is a Ph.D. candidate at SFU studying geoscience communication. She is VP of GAC’s Geoscience Education & Communication Division and was the Communications Director for CFES (2021 – 2023). Based in Cranbrook, she enjoys mountain adventures, running, and time with her pets, Tuzo (named after Tuzo Wilson), Mookie, and Karen.

  • Susanna Occhipinti is a geologist and educator with expertise in student engagement and innovative geoscience teaching methodologies.

    She is a lecturer at UNICAM, Italy, as well as the IUGS-COGE vice chair and Field Officers network coordinator.

    Susanna is also the 2024 prize winner for Excellence in Scientific Education, and author of "Geosciences with New Eyes", a book dedicated to inspiring the next generation of geoscientists.

Other Members

  • Liaison with IGC-NOC

    Mount Royal University - Associate Professor, Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences

    International Director - Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences

    Katherine is fascinated by the processes that form the “Earth beneath our feet”. She is the Director for the Community Science Liaison program that strives to embed place- and curriculum-based citizen science programs in Canadian kindergarten to grade 12 classrooms. Teachers appreciate these projects because they bring the real world into their classrooms, students feel empowered because they contribute towards improved understanding of their scientific-environmental backyards and scientists get rejuvenated passions for their disciplines through these student’s enthusiasm and energetic approaches to these programs.

    Katherine is also a very passionate promoter of the geosciences and has just recently developed a model to change the general public perception of the geosciences through national and international collaborations across these geoscience communities represented by various components of this Canadian bid to host IGC 2028.

    In addition to being the Chair for the CNC – IUGS and the International Director for the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences; Katherine developed significant management, leadership and communication skills through her 33 years in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserves (RCNR) where she was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee medal for her combined service to the RCNR and the geoscience academic community.

  • Nova Scotia Geological Survey

    I am an early career Indigenous geoscientist currently completing my Masters in Geology at Acadia University. I am mapping the geochemical variability on geomorphic elements and its impact on viticulture in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. I stay involved with the geoscience community by volunteering and participating in events such as the Atlantic University Geoscience Conference, Atlantic Geoscience Society Colloquium, GAC-MAC, and Acadia University’s geology society. I keep myself busy by rock climbing, hiking, and playing guitar. I’m excited to help promote Canada’s bid for the IGC.

  • University of Calgary

  • Mount Royal University

    Jerry is an enthusiastic geoscientist and a member of the International Venus Research Group (IVRG). He advocates for community engagement and volunteerism, fostering collaboration among geoscientists across Canada and globally.

    Jerry is a dedicated adventurer, nature lover, and marathon runner, who is excited to contribute to the International Geoscience Conference  with a passion for education, research, and exploration.

  • Geological Survey Ireland