Cassia is an interdisciplinary geologist and social scientist; or a 'social earth scientist'. She currently works as a policy analyst, and is a doctoral candidate (University of Exeter), focusing on the intersections of small-scale mining, innovation, and sustainability, using qualitative research methodologies. Prior to her PhD, she spent two years as a Quaternary geologist working with public and private sectors in surficial mapping, mineral exploration, geohazards, water resources, and policy review. She has a decade of multi-faceted experience in mineral exploration. She is an accredited geologist (P.Geo) holding a Bachelor of Science (High Hons) (University of Saskatchewan), and a Masters of Earth and Environmental Science (University of Waterloo). Cassia was born and raised on Treaties 4 and 6 in Saskatchewan, and is based out of Victoria, British Columbia; the unceded territories of the Lkwungen (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples. Cassia is a lover of nature, and spends her spare time surfing, skiing, running, and taking it all in with adventure blogging and photography.