Name: Meriem Grifi, MSc Candidate

Supervisor: Guy Plint

Describe your current research:

My project aims to clarify stratigraphic relationships between rock units in the southern Alberta Foothills, with the subsurface geology of the Plains, as well as geology across the border into northwestern Montana. Ammonite and Inoceramid sample collections will also aid in constraining the age of these rock units. Overall, reconstructing the paleogeography of the area for the Late Cretaceous Coniacian Stage will provide details into the tectonic and eustatic controls on sedimentation during that time

How long have you been at Western?

6-10 Years

What is one word that you would use to describe the Earth Science Department at Western?

Dynamic

What are some other interests/hobbies you have (non-academic)?

I enjoy reading fictional novels, and lately I have become a huge fan of Harry Potter books on audiotape! I also love puzzles and skating!

Unfortunately, I don’t have much time these days, but what I really enjoyed doing before was volunteering at a retirement home visiting seniors and chatting to them (great way to stock up on sweets), and I do miss my high school outreach visits and seeing all the curious young faces- plenty of time to get back into it after I graduate though

If you had to choose, what is your favourite musical band (or genre)?

Infected Mushroom

What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?

I would love to own my own business some day. My current dream is to have a great tapas hangout in downtown Calgary, or wherever I will be in some 10 years time!

Do you have a favourite quote/mantra? What is it?

Someone gave me a wonderful quote that has helped me stay positive in the last few months as I’ve struggled with various research related ‘poopoos’, if you will. The words are very simple and quite obvious when you think about their meanings. Nevertheless, it is more easy than not to forget about the simpler things in life and as grad students, we all know about a bad day or two in the lab (stop reading here if you’re perfect)… I’ve taken to starting and ending my days at school with the words below, and perhaps a few of you will appreciate them too!

‘Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny’

                                                                                       -Mahatma Gandhi

Tell us about a funny/memorable story from field-work and/or research:

This question brings a rush of various memories, so perhaps it is hard for me to pick just one…

The best part of my research has probably been the chance to see a lot of beautiful country in Western Canada. Quite a few trips involved interesting events like steep and high slopes (we of course had safety harnesses ), crossing rivers at questionable sites (prompting a tango like dance across the river with your supervisor), and practicing your best Chubaka impression to keep the bears away. To be able to laugh about this with your colleagues at the end of a long hard day logging outcrop on hot and shaly slopes is probably what makes the whole experience worth it!