Nathaniel Kozicki, Engineer-in-Training

Please tell us about your personal background.

I was born in Saskatoon and have been fortunate to develop deep roots in this community. I received a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering in 2020. I have since returned to school to pursue a master’s degree in civil engineering, with an emphasis on machine learning and rock mechanics, while working full time.

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

I chose to pursue engineering after my dad told me about it when we were playing with Lego. I wasn’t sure which discipline I wanted to go into at the time. I learned about the various engineering disciplines in my first year of engineering, and geological engineering fascinated me.

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

I studied at the University of Saskatchewan and graduated in 2020. I greatly enjoyed my experiences though it certainly had some difficult moments. I am very grateful for the exceptional professors in the geological engineering department. I also made some of the best friends I’ve ever had. The skills and knowledge I acquired have served me well in all aspects of my career.

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

I have been very fortunate to have been a part of many very interesting teams and projects. Some of the highlights for me have been helping with the shaft sinking and initial lateral development at Mosaic’s Esterhazy potash mines as well as on their mine automation team. Another highlight has been working with Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Digital Integration Centre of Excellence on machine learning for use at Cameco’s Cigar Lake Mine. This project has led me to the position I have now at the Cigar Lake Mine.

What have you appreciated most about your engineering journey?   

Something I appreciate is how willing people in my community are to go out of their way to help each other. I had a lot of questions when I first started in my field. I feel very fortunate that I have had so many great leaders, teachers, mentors, and friends that have helped me along the way to become who I am now.

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

My first supervisor during my internship was Oryan Duff, a geologist in Mosaic’s Esterhazy potash mines. He took me under his wing and taught me many things I still use today. Oryan gave me an abundance of opportunities to learn and allowed me to get involved in whatever anyone would teach me. I am very thankful that I had such a wide range of experiences at my first exposure to mining. It has become the foundation of the knowledge and skill set of mining that I have today.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoy spending time outdoors including fishing, hiking, canoeing, and skiing. I spend a lot of time with friends and family. One specific thing that I enjoy is cooking food from cultures around the world. Some of it is replicating cuisines that I have experienced in my international travels but also because I enjoy experiencing new things.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Engineering has been an incredibly rewarding career for me. I don’t wake up and dread going to work. I am faced with new challenges daily which keeps work fresh and interesting. The people I work with are the best part. I have made many friends and have learned endless things from them. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to help the next generation of engineers learn, which has been very fulfilling.