Cathy Williamson, P.Geo.

Please tell us about your personal background.

I grew up on a farm in southern Saskatchewan and went to school in Indian Head. I loved farm life and being outdoors. I was the kid with endless questions and a big imagination, always curious about how things worked. That curiosity has shaped my career and how I approach life.

Why did you choose geoscience, and what is your area of specialty?

I entered university planning to study biochemistry, but three-hour chemistry labs weren’t for me! An intro geology elective changed everything. Geology connected my love of nature with my curiosity about the world.

After graduating, I worked in oil and gas exploration in Alberta before moving into environmental consulting. Today I’m a hydrogeologist and Director of the Water Sciences Practice Team at Clifton Engineering Group. In more than 20 years of consulting, I’ve worked on groundwater projects in the municipal, mining, industrial and agricultural sectors. The variety keeps me asking questions.

Where and when did you study, and how would you describe that experience?

I earned my BSc in Geology at the University of Regina. Discovering a field I hadn’t planned on taught me to stay open to possibilities. You don’t always know where your interests will lead until you give yourself a chance to explore.

What are some of the most interesting, rewarding, and/or challenging experiences you have had?

I’m drawn to complex, multidisciplinary projects: sorting through the pieces, seeing how they fit and helping a team find a practical way forward. Groundwater work is ideal for that, since geology, water, engineering and environmental considerations are so closely connected.

I also find it rewarding to connect the right person with the right opportunity and watch them grow.

What have you appreciated most about your geoscience journey?

The chance to keep learning, and the people I’ve met. Experience helps you ask better questions without taking away the possibility of being surprised. My work has grown from investigating technical questions to mentoring, team building and contributing to the profession. I’m increasingly interested in how what we learn on individual projects can strengthen future decisions in Saskatchewan.

Please share a few words about your time on the APEGS Council.

The learning curve was steep, but I’ve enjoyed it. Council has deepened my understanding of professional regulation and the responsibility of serving the public interest. I’ve valued learning from thoughtful colleagues with different perspectives, and I’ve gained a new appreciation for the volunteers who quietly keep our professions running.

Would you recommend council service to other APEGS members?

Absolutely. You don’t need to arrive knowing everything. Preparing, asking questions, listening and considering other perspectives is a good start.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

Music, books, hiking, boating, travel, and time with friends and family. Being outdoors is still how I recharge, and I’m always up for exploring somewhere new.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m excited about what Saskatchewan’s natural resource opportunities could mean for the province. As geoscientists and engineers, we can help turn that growth into lasting expertise here at home. For me, that means preparing the next generation, strengthening research, making better use of the knowledge we collect, and creating opportunities for Indigenous communities to help shape that future.

I’d like to see stronger connections between industry, education, government and communities, so today’s work leaves Saskatchewan better prepared for what comes next.