In Miners of Tomorrow, we look at how recipients of Hexagon Mining scholarships are faring. Brandon Johnson studies Mining Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada.
Bring us up to date with your progress at UBC.
I am currently working a Co-op term with Teck Resources in Calgary. I go back to UBC to complete my fourth and final year of my undergrad in September.
How did the scholarship come about? Did you apply or were you picked?
I was fortunate enough to be picked for the Hexagon scholarship!
Do you use Hexagon Mining technology at UBC?
I have used MineSight 3D for an underground design course at UBC. I was already familiar with MineSight, having used it on a previous Co-op term. I am looking forward to using MineSight to complete my fourth-year design project!
What attracted you to mining as a career?
I was sold on mining as a career by students who were in the mining department at UBC. The travel, the mining community, and the ability to work both in the field and in the office attracted me to a career in mining. I have never once regretted my decision to pursue a career as a mining engineer!
What are your life ambitions beyond career (family? travel?)
After I graduate, I want to take some time off and backpack across Europe. Eventually, I want to settle down in a small town (I can’t imagine living in a big city). I strongly believe in having a healthy work/life balance and look forward to raising a family one day.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy camping and hiking in the summer and I am starting to ski more in the winter. I am also a huge hockey fan and spend a lot of nights hanging out with friends, watching the Vancouver Canucks.
Do you live on campus? What’s fun to do in Vancouver?
I have lived at home with my parents, on campus at UBC, and in Vancouver off-campus. For my last year, I am hoping to live just off campus! I enjoy spending time at the beach (English Bay or White Rock have great beaches) or hiking and camping at one of the many mountains that are close to Vancouver.
What’s in your iPod?
I downloaded Spotify, and I mostly listen to random playlists on shuffle. My go-to music is country!
What’s the last book you read for pleasure?
The last book I read was Dan Brown’s newest book, Origin. It’s a great read. I strongly recommend it!
Your top three dinner guests, dead or alive?
I have been a huge hockey fan ever since I was a kid. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the Sedin twins (Daniel and Henrik) and Trevor Linden of the Vancouver Canucks. It would be awesome to have dinner with them. My third pick would be George R. Martin. I am a big Game of Thrones fan, and with a mind and imagination like George R. Martin, I am sure the dinner conversation would be interesting!
Anything else to add?
This is actually my second scholarship from Hexagon. I can’t thank Hexagon enough for providing these scholarships and helping me focus on my studies instead of working a part time job!