Paula Piilonen Email & Phone Number

Mineralogist at the Canadian Museum of Nature with a focus on the crystal chemistry and behavior of REE and high-field strength elements in alkaline igneous systems. I have worked all over the world, with a focus on Mont Saint-Hilaire (Quebec), SE British Columbia, Cambodia, Thailand and Norway. Fieldwork combined with extensive laboratory work are the core of my research. I am passionate about youth STEM and am heavily involved with Youth Science Canada and the Canada-Wide Science Fair as part of the National Judging Team and local chief judge for Ottawa 2021/2024. In addition, my role at the Museum allows me to interact with the public and promote the mineral sciences, mining and geology to all ages. I have worked in the mining industry, having grown up and completed my B.Sc. in geology at Laurentian University and worked for INCO during my undergraduate years.Outside of work, I love to travel - the more exotic and off the beaten path the better, am an avid squash player, and enjoy mountain biking and kayaking on the river where we live with our 85 lb greyhound. I also help to rehabilitate wildlife for the local rescue and often have baby raccoons in my care.

Listed skills include Mineralogy, X Ray Crystallography, Crystal Chemistry, Igneous Petrology, and 17 others.