Dr. Ty Ferré Brings Hydrologic Expertise to Address Mining's Water Challenges
Ty Ferré holds a PhD in Earth Sciences from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Ferré’s primary research focus is on improving the selection of measurements to support hydrologic decision-making; development of methods that use decision science to formulate hydrologic models and then use those hydrologic models to select and interpret measurements; coupling relatively simple physical models, instrument response models, and advanced inverse methods to support decision making; and incorporation of geophysical data into hydrologic analysis within this framework.
What drew you to join the School of Mining & Mineral Resources?
Mining is a major part of what we do as hydrogeologists, especially as an applied hydrogeologist. Being right next door, it seems only natural that we should work together to improve the use of hydrogeologic analysis for all things related to mining.
What feeds your passion for research and/or teaching?
I have always loved to help people to learn something new. It remains the most rewarding part of my job for me!
What drew you to your field of research?
I started my educational life as a geophysicist because it allowed me to explore math and science in an applied, outdoor setting. But, through my undergraduate degree, it became more and more clear that geophysicists typically look for very deep things that they will never 'touch'. Then I took a class about hydrogeology and light bulbs went off. So, I spent the first part of my career combining hydrogeology and geophysics. Later, I moved to the application of hydrogeologic models to support multistakeholder decisions. In fact, this wasn't too much of a shift!
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a career in the mining and minerals industry?
From the perspective of hydrogeology in mining, I would suggest that they do two things that might seem opposite. First, learn as many quantitative skills as you can in geology, physics, math, and chemistry. Second, learn as much as you can about social license and
the effective and ethical use of science in social contexts. I think that water lies right on the border between industry, the environment, and people. As such, hydrogeologists can have a major impact on society in the realm of mining.
What role do you see your work in the hydrologic field playing in addressing global challenges such as population growth and climate change?
We will have difficult decisions to make in the future as a society. How do we balance all of the needs and desires of society? These questions will only become more acute as we face these global challenges. It is critical that we approach these questions with science that is aimed at helping to address all aspects of the choices that we have to make, including their impacts on they hydrologic cycle.