Inspiring Change Through Geothermal Energy and Geoscience Outreach: Claudia’s Story

 

Talking about rocks, heat beneath our feet, and the future of energy might not sound like everyone’s dream job—but for Claudia, the Community Engagement and Education Officer at Geothermal Engineering Limited (GEL), it’s exactly that.

 

 

 

Claudia’s Role at GEL

“As the community engagement and education officer for GEL, it is my job to talk about all things geothermal to as many people as possible,”

Claudia explains. From classrooms to council meetings, her role is centred on connecting people with geothermal energy, geology, and the facts behind them. Whether she is speaking with local residents, councils, or MPs, the aim is always the same: to enthuse, inform, and inspire.

A large part of Claudia’s work involves engaging directly with young people. She regularly visits primary and secondary schools, delivering workshops and lessons, and supporting events such as career fairs, ‘I love my job’ talks, and mock interviews. Alongside this, she manages GEL’s social media presence and designs resources for both education and community events. The role blends science, creativity, and communication—an ideal fit for someone passionate about geology and people.

Career Path and Professional Background

Before joining GEL, Claudia built her career in mining environmental consultancy, working on a range of international projects. As a geologist, she specialised in the geochemistry of mining wastes, supporting mine closure planning and environmental management. When she was made redundant at the end of 2023, it brought an unexpected pause to her career.

“After six months of unemployment I found GEL and haven’t looked back since,”she says, reflecting on the transition into a role that aligns so closely with her values.

Why the Minerals and Mining Sector Matters

Claudia’s enthusiasm for the minerals and mining sector comes from a deep understanding of its importance to modern life.

“If something hasn’t been grown, it has to be mined,”she notes.

While she was always interested in minerals as a geologist, it wasn’t until completing her MSc in Mining Environmental Management at the Camborne School of Mines that she fully appreciated the scale and complexity of the industry.

Coming from a medical family, Claudia was once determined not to work directly with people, having seen first-hand the emotional toll such careers can take. Yet, as she learned more about mining, she became increasingly aware of the inequalities within the industry and the vulnerabilities faced by communities affected by mining activities. This realisation motivated her to be part of a growing group of earth scientists applying social science approaches to make the industry fairer, safer, and more sustainable.

Outreach and Inspiring Young People

Outreach is now at the heart of Claudia’s work, and she considers herself lucky that it is her full-time job. Having spoken to thousands of people through a wide range of activities, she finds particular fulfilment in working with alternative provision academies and students often labelled as “low achieving.”

“Often, at the beginning of our sessions they are unsure and anxious about participating,” Claudia says.

Watching their confidence grow over the course of a session is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role. Through geothermal and careers talks, she hopes to help students believe in themselves and feel empowered to pursue their goals.

Minerals Matter and the Next Generation

Claudia’s passion for outreach and inclusion led her to become involved in the Minerals Matter scheme. For her, it provides a supportive network of like-minded professionals and access to resources that make her work both easier and more impactful. It also plays a vital role in addressing the mining industry’s long-standing image problem.

“We all know that the mining industry has a PR problem,”Claudia acknowledges, with the sector often labelled as dirty or dangerous.

However, she is keen to highlight that humans will always rely on minerals-mining is not something society can simply stop. What can change is how it is done. By showcasing innovation, new ideas, and evolving best practice, Claudia believes young people can be inspired to see mining and geoscience as part of the solution.

By talking to the next generation about careers in geology and environmental science, Claudia hopes to inspire them to be part of a more responsible and sustainable future for the industry-one that is kinder to both people and the planet.