July/August 2010 Scientist of the Month
Sarah Gauthier- M.Sc. Candidate, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan
Sarah Gauthier is a Water Resources Engineer with Golder Associates in Saskatoon. Golder Associates is a multi-disciplinary consulting company that specializes in ground engineering and environmental services. Many of the projects that Sarah has been involved in are for the mining industry; she has had the opportunity to travel to project locations all around Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Her work provides a lot of variety; typical projects include water balance studies, river surveys, water supply studies, and design of engineering works. This type of work is essentially focused on answering the following questions: How much water is there? Where is it going? How can we keep it clean?
Sarah was born in Elliot Lake, Ontario and grew up in the northern community of La Ronge, Saskatchewan. Upon graduation, Sarah spent one year studying in France before returning to Saskatchewan to attend university. She completed bachelor’s degrees in Microbiology in 1999 and in Civil Engineering in 2003 at the University of Saskatchewan. She is also a Master of Engineering candidate in Civil Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, where her studies are focused on water resources. Her project is water quality modelling of a forested watershed.
Sarah enjoys participating in outreach programs, specifically, speaking to young women and aboriginal students about careers in engineering. Aside from academic awards, Sarah has also received awards in her professional career, including the Athena Young Professional Leadership Award; the First Nations Award in Science and Technology; and the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan.
What, or who, inspired your decision to become a scientist or to work in your area?
We had a former student visit our school when I was in high school, and he spoke to us about Civil Engineering. I thought it sounded pretty cool! My parents instilled a strong work ethic from the time I was very young. They set a very good example. There are so many more educational opportunities available to us than there were a generation ago for our parents. I think I have always felt that it is important to take advantage of those opportunities.
What is the most interesting thing you have ever learned or discovered?
In my career I have spent some time in helicopters collecting field data. Someone once told me there is a nut on the helicopter that is termed the “Jesus nut”, because it is the part of the helicopter that prevents the rotors from detaching from the main body of the chopper.
Of what accomplishments are you most proud?
I think I am most proud of the independence and choice that an education and career have afforded me.
Were there any obstacles in your education or career, and how did you overcome them?
I had a tough time in my first couple of years of university. Part of it was coming from a small town to a bigger city, and part of it was feeling like I didn’t really belong. Especially in Arts and Science, where the classes are larger in your first couple of years, it is easy to feel lonely. Forming some friendships and getting involved definitely made me feel like I was part of a community. In any situation where there has been a perceived obstacle, I have found that by pushing through I gain the confidence that I can overcome the next one.
I have often been asked what it is like being a woman in a male-dominated profession. The truth is, this is my normal, and I don’t know any different. I was fortunate to have been raised in a family that was very gender-neutral. In other words, my parents encouraged my brother and me to take on activities regardless of gender. I believe that my career will be what I make it to be and the barriers that exist are only those that I place on myself.
What is a typical (work) day like?
A typical day in the office could include some aspects of design for a project, including the use of models and spreadsheets. Once the analysis for a project is complete, I spend time writing the report and summarizing findings. Office days can also include internal meetings and meetings with clients. Most of my time throughout the year is spent in the office.
A typical day in the field generally starts earlier and is longer than one in the office. Many of the sites at which we collect data are remote and may have limited access. The day could start with a hike, boat ride, ATV ride, or helicopter ride to the locations at which we take measurements. We spend our day measuring stream flow, installing data recorders, performing water elevation or topographic surveys, and documenting the flow regime of the area.
What advice do you have for future scientists?
I think it is important in any career to surround yourself with mentors and positive thinkers. It is really important to believe in yourself. I have found that in my own life it is useful to set goals, and imagining myself achieving those goals helps me in my journey. And lastly, I think it is always important to enjoy what you are doing, and to keep balance in your life, especially when you enter the workforce.
Sarah is one of the engineers/ scientists profiled on the myWISEmentor film. To view the feature, please go to www.myWISEmnetor.com.