Master of Earth and Energy Resources Leadership

With 27 MEERL graduates, and 18 students currently enrolled, we have come a long way since the program’s inception. Each year we have the privilege of bringing together a group of students with very diverse backgrounds, work experience, and education. As a department we are incredibly proud of our MEERL graduates, and we cannot wait to see what they do next!

Welcome MEERL ‘23

Eight students began in the MEERL ‘23 cohort in August 2021.

Highlights of our online residential, included a keynote speech on linear vs circular thinking, workshops on working in teams and leadership, as well as networking with MEERL alumni.

They are currently finishing up their first semester in MEERL and we look forward to bringing them to campus soon.

Student Spotlight

Gerald Ouellette, P.Geo. MEERL ‘22 Student Geologist, Government of Alberta

Recipient of a 2021 Young Mining Professionals Scholarship Fund Award Why the MEERL program at Queen’s University?

I specifically chose the MEERL program to diversify my skillsets beyond technical, to expand on my current background/experiences and add to my toolbox for the next part of my professional journey. Queen’s is highly regarded globally with this program being delivered/ designed to meet/exceed that same level of excellence!

Any comments for those interested in taking MEERL?

MEERL is well designed to allow flexibility in respecting that students are likely working professionals, have families, and/or other commitments. It’s a great program that provides exposure to different perspectives in the resource sector, expands your network, makes you reflect on your place in the resource sector and what doors you want to find/open in the future as you carve your path!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Outside of work and school, I am busy spending time with my wife and two young children. I am an avid outdoorsman who enjoys camping, cross country skiing, hiking, fishing, running and biking. I also enjoy cooking and am always looking for the next best recipe to keep everyone coming back for more!

What’s next for you?

After completion of the program, I expect to be molded into a stronger leader who is better positioned to ensure we continue advancing resource development sustainably today, tomorrow and into the future. My long-term goals are to apply these learnings to lead teams and organizations with a personal focus and interest in sustainable development and regulatory excellence.

The MEERL program fits with

my vision of the global mining industry, especially in my work environment in Africa. In the workplace, I’m frequently applying what I learned in MEERL, while working with my colleagues on social and environment considerations in all the stages of our exploration projects.” - Koffi Félix Ekra, MEERL ‘21 If you have ideas, suggestions, or questions about the MEERL program we would love to hear from you. We are always looking for guest speakers, project ideas and new ways to grow the program. Reach out to the Program Manager, Brittany Jennings at meerl@queensu.ca