Cassandra Bosma

Tell us about your work/ research. What kinds of things do you do?

In my role at Ocean Networks Canada, my primary responsibility is to lead a team of GIS Specialists. Our team is responsible for the provision of geospatial services for our organization. The team's daily tasks are varied and diverse, but often consist of creating and updating maps, route and instrument placement planning, acoustic survey planning, bathymetric data collection and processing, navigation data ingestion, producing geospatial data products (Digital Elevation Models, shapefiles, navigation waypoints and tracks, 3D modelling, Story Maps, fly-throughs, online maps and web mapping applications, and other products), filing federal NAVWARNs and Notices to Mariners, and maintaining the geospatial databases.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

My initial interest in GIS came from an introductory course I took while working towards a diploma in Environmental Technology. Before that class I had no idea that GIS was even a career path. Throughout that course I also learned that I find spatial analysis and map design very satisfying.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

Encouragement has come from people in many difference facets of my life. I have had many guides who have influenced me throughout my career including, teachers, academic advisors, supervisors, peers, colleagues, friends, and family. However, I suppose the greatest influence has come from my life long best friend who has always encouraged me to reach beyond what I think I am capable of achieving.

What element of your work/ study do you think is the most fascinating?

The most fascinating thing about GIS is that there are an untold number of applications of the tools and the opportunities for continuous learning are endless! I have had the privilege of meeting people in many fields that use GIS in innovative ways to find solutions to everyday challenges and complex issues. Additionally, I love that GIS is both a science, and an art. Being able to perform complex spatial analysis and then create a visually striking map to tell a story with the data is very rewarding.

How did you get involved with Ocean Exploration Trust? How did you become part of the expedition team?

Ocean Networks Canada and Ocean Exploration Trust have worked together during a number of expeditions to maintain ONC's offshore ocean observatory sites. I have supported past expeditions from a shore support role and I am excited for the opportunity to participate onboard this year.

What other jobs led you to your current career?

I attribute my entire career trajectory to the co-operative education work terms that I participated in during college and university. My first opportunity involved seafloor habitat mapping for the federal government. The connections I made on that first work term lead to an additional work term collecting and processing bathymetric data for another department. After university graduation, I spent time in both non-profit and private industry jobs utilizing my skills for seafloor and coastal environment mapping using multibeam echosounders, drones, and satellites, as well as creating specialized maritime charts for navigation. All of those experiences provided me with the necessary skills to pursue a GIS career focused on the marine environment with Ocean Networks Canada.
 

What are your degrees and certifications?

Associate Degree of General Science -- Camosun College 2014

Diploma in Environmental Technology -- Camosun College 2015 

Bachelor of Science in Geography (Honours) with a concentration in Geomatics -- University of Victoria 2018

Marine Basic First Aid & CPR/AED level C; PADI Advanced Open Water Diver

What are your hobbies?

Most of the time I can be found outdoors with my binoculars looking for new birds to add to my life list. I also enjoy hiking, climbing, traveling, and immersing myself in a good book! Recently, I have been learning to sew and I have been slowly adding me-made clothes to my wardrobe.
 

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

My advice is to always be open to opportunity and build a network. The majority of the opportunities in my career have come from people that I have connected with along the way. Believe in yourself and apply for those jobs and experiences even if you don't think you'll get it. A good attitude and a keen interest can take you a long ways towards achieving your goals. Finally, continuously learn and build your skill set in your desired area of interest as well as outside of it to diversify yourself.