Igor de Souza Macedo, Geoscientist-in-Training

Please tell us about your personal background.

I am originally from Brazil and moved to Saskatchewan in 2015 when I was 18. This decision exposed me to challenges I had never anticipated, expanding my perspective in countless ways. Living in Canada gave me the opportunity not only to observe the diverse dynamics that shape our environment but also to experience them to the fullest. I believe this journey was only possible thanks to the never-ending support of my family and friends from back home, alongside my wife, family, and the community I’ve found here.

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

Choosing geoscience felt like a natural path to me. Since childhood, I’ve had this curiosity about our ever-changing Earth and how its various spheres interact to shape our current environment. When I wasn’t playing outdoors with friends and pets, I spent hours watching documentaries on National Geographic, History, and Discovery channels. My current specialty is greenfield mineral exploration using Remote Sensing and GIS integrations. I chose this path because it allows me to combine my deep interest in new technologies with geological processes. It’s incredibly rewarding to use these tools to better understand, interpret, and make well-informed decisions regarding complex real-world systems (plus, it’s a fun way to explore our planet on satellite scale).

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

I studied at the University of Saskatchewan and earned a bachelor of science honours degree in geology in 2023. From the moment I enrolled, I knew I had made the right choice, and my passion for geoscience only grew as I interacted with my professors and classmates. I really enjoyed the field trips and lab assignments, especially during my final year when I worked as a teaching assistant for the first-year geology class. It was incredibly fulfilling to pass on a bit of knowledge I learned to young future professionals. I also deeply appreciated the support and guidance I received from my professors and colleagues during difficult times. I fully credit them on the achievements of the highest academic average by a St. Thomas More College student in Geology. I am very proud of this recognition because it rewards the challenge of learning a highly complex discipline in a second language (that I only became fluent in after moving to Canada). Outside the classrooms, I enjoyed refereeing and competing in university soccer intramurals, which was a great way to make friends from all over the world.

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

A major highlight of my academic journey was being part of the winning team for our mineral deposits term project. Applying knowledge across different disciplines, combined with my first-hand field experience as a summer student during the ACKIO uranium deposit discovery program, allowed me to strongly support my group. Winning that competition proved to me that hard work and collaboration can truly yield positive outcomes. Professionally, I am very proud to be on the remote sensing development team within Axiom Exploration’s new technology division. It is amazing to be involved in the end-to-end process of developing, testing, and improving meaningful tools that drive real-world decisions.

What have you appreciated most about your geoscience journey?

As I have learned more about the dynamic systems of the earth, I’ve come to appreciate that everything has a role and a purpose, regardless of its scale. Nature consistently demonstrates that every action has a reaction, creating predictable patterns, loops, and feedback. Understanding this interconnectedness in depth allows us to make more informed choices on a personal, professional, and governmental level. This journey has also made me reflect on our roles as representatives of the industry. Our everyday actions, big and small, shape both our natural and professional environments, which emphasizes the importance of balancing the needs of society with a deep understanding of our socio-environmental impact.

Any mentors or role models you’d like to tell us about? What insight or wisdom did they impart?

I deeply value the team members I work with for their strong work ethic, ambition, and personal values. Specifically, I am grateful to Jack Friedrichsen for believing in my potential and giving me the opportunity to build on my passions. He has shown me that a healthy, supportive workspace is the true foundation of success. His character and guidance have been incredibly inspiring, motivating me to continuously improve not just as a professional in this community, but as a person. I also want to mention my biggest role model (and wife) Madison Macedo for always being by my side.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

In my free time, I love being active outdoors by playing soccer or going for bicycle rides. I’m also a big soccer fan and always cheer for my hometown ‘futebol’ team, Flamengo. Beyond that, I enjoy backcountry camping, hiking, and traveling with my wife and our dog to explore unique places across Canada. When I am at home, I like learning about different cultures and playing video games.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I believe our industry plays a pivotal role in the future of society. It requires a great deal of commitment to manage, regulate, and enforce strong standards so that future generations can also thrive while meeting global demands. Achieving this takes more than just technical expertise; it requires an everyday commitment to making decisions that lead to sustainable, positive outcomes. By embracing this responsibility, we can serve as role models and ensure continued success for the generations to come.