Sally Innis is a PhD Candidate at the University of British Columbia in the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering. Her research focuses on quantifying present and future tailings risk, such as potential mine waste facility failures, and developing investor risk communication tools. This research includes the development of semi-empirical tailings flow models for regional risk profiling and qualitative research with mining stakeholders.
Prior to starting graduate school, Sally worked in a diverse range of industries, including groundwater remediation of municipal gas stations, exploration geology and environmental development in northern Senegal. Sally obtained a Bachelor of Science with distinction from the University of British Columbia. She has received several awards during her graduate studies, including two of the Canadian National Science and Engineering Research Council scholarship (NSERC PGS-D and CGS-M), and the British Columbia graduate scholarship.
In addition to her research at UBC, Sally works as an ESG and Mining Solutions Consultant for Open Mineral AG and as a research assistant for a collaboration between UBC, Columbia University and the Mikisew Cree First Nation to support an indigenous-based assessment of risks for oil sands tailings in the Peace Athabasca Delta.
Sally is a soccer player and skier who loves an occasional dip in the Pacific Ocean. When time allows, she bakes extravagant cakes and patisserie – for everything from birthdays and weddings, to a Tuesday night éclair.