Marie-Claude Williamson
Program Scientist
Planetary Exploration
Canadian Space Agency

I have been fascinated with geology since the age of 16 when volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft came to our school to present their documentary on Iceland volcanoes entitled Islande, Terre de feu.  I knew right then and there that I wanted to study active, erupting volcanoes!

I completed my B.Sc. at the Université de Montréal, and my graduate studies at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.  I gained my professional experience as a research geologist at the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), located at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography.  There, I worked mostly on ancient volcanic systems, both oceanic and terrestrial, acquiring field experience in the Canadian Arctic Islands, at remote sites located north of the 75th  parallel. At the CSA, my mandate is to promote Geology and Geophysics through Analogue Missions; and work with engineers to integrate geoscientific instruments with rover testbeds.  Leading the CSA’s Educators Project in the North is a very exciting opportunity and a ‘first’ for me; however it builds on many years of interaction with teachers in Nova Scotia, and on leadership projects carried out while at the GSC.