Dr. Catherine Jean Hickson, PhD, P.Geo., FGC
Past President - Geothermal Canada
President - Tuya Terra Geo Corp.
Chief Geologist - Terrapin Geothermics
C.E.O. - Alberta No. 1
Dr. Hickson is an experienced geothermal resource development expert. She received her PhD from the University of British Columbia in 1987 focusing on the subglacial volcanoes of Wells Gray Provincial Park, BC. However, her career in geothermal started as a summer student with the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) where in 1981 she joined the survey’s geothermal program doing downhole temperature measurements as well as field mapping. She spent the next 25 years of her career as a Research Scientist with the GSC. In 2008, she left government and joined Magma Energy Corp. (now Alterra Power Corp.) as VP Exploration and Chief Geoscientist. She led the company’s exploration and advanced resource assessments globally, spending significant time on projects in Chile, Iceland, Italy, Peru and USA. She continues to work actively in geothermal exploration and development to this day.
She has made significant contributions to the profession of geoscience through her career, volunteer service, and leadership. A pioneering volcanologist and a globally-recognized geoscience and geothermal expert with more than 30 years’ experience, she is the author of over 100 scientific papers as well as articles for the public, including two books. Dr. Hickson's early career focused on assessing past and future eruptions and hazard impacts of young volcanoes in Canada and globally. She went on to spend 25 years working with the federal government at the Geological Survey of Canada. She worked closely with the International Civil Aviation Organization creating pilot and airspace regulations for flight in regions impacted by volcanic ash. She also formulated and implemented Canada's volcanic eruption response. Combining her management and volcanological expertise as well as her global experience, an impactful career in the private sector followed, with a focus on geothermal energy and lithium brines.
In 2014, Dr. Hickson founded her own geological and management services company specializing in supporting geothermal development, lithium exploration, and public engagement in the Earth sciences. In 2018, she became Chief Geologist of the Alberta start-up Terrapin Geothermics. Under her leadership, Terrapin secured over $25 million in project development funds from Natural Resources Canada’s Emerging Renewable Power Program for its Alberta No. 1 project to harness the benefits of geothermal energy. She now serves as Alberta No. 1’s CEO. Dr. Hickson holds a Ph.D. (1987) in Geology and Volcanology, and a B.Sc. in Geology (1982) from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
Catherine is a registered professional geoscientist with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC) and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA). She served as an EGBC Council member from 2017 to 2019 and has also been a member of EGBC’s Geoscience Committee (2018 to 2022), the Credentials Committee (2018 – 2021), the Professional Practice Advisory Group (2017-2018), and the Nominating Committee (2013- 2015). Catherine is currently a member of the Engineering Experience Assessment Panel.