Denise Brushett
Project Geologist, Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey
Denise Brushett completed her Master of Science degree in Geography through Memorial University in 2008. She came from a geology background which she pursued in her undergraduate program at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, her home province. She decided to come to Memorial first and foremost because she wanted to work with Dr. Trevor Bell, as she felt that her interests would be a good match with his research. Also, Denise wanted to stay within Atlantic Canada, and because her undergraduate supervisor was from Newfoundland and Labrador she was familiar with the province and felt it would be a good fit.
While Denise attended Memorial, she completed her thesis on
offshore seabed mapping. Through the completion of her thesis, she
gained many valuable skills including practical field experience,
critical thinking and research design. She also found that the
conferences she attended provided her with presentation skills,
exposure to her field and numerous contacts and connections. Her
main piece of advice for anyone completing their Masters degree in
geography is to attend as many conferences as possible.
When Denise graduated, she worked with a marine consulting company
in St. John’s where she continued to work on offshore
surveys. Shortly after this she was hired as a project geologist
with the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador, a position
which she still holds today. Within this occupation she researches
the surficial geology of northeast Newfoundland through a great
deal of traditional fieldwork. Her work as a Masters student helped
prepare her for this position by providing her with the many skills
she needs on a daily basis. She feels that there are numerous
career opportunities within her field, and through the help of one
of her committee members, an adjunct professor in the geography
department, she was able to get a job as soon as she
graduated.
