Ray Lett (2023-2024)

Ray Lett

Ray obtained a B.Sc. University of London, UK, in 1968, a M.Sc. University of Leicester, UK in 1970, and a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia in 1979. He is a geochemical consultant and university sessional lecturer in geochemistry and economic geology at the University of Victoria, Canada.  He was a laboratory supervisor and senior geochemist for the British Columbia Geological Survey between 1990-2010. Prior to that he was a geochemist for Barringer Research/Magenta from 1980 to 1990 and an exploration geochemist/geologist for Amax Exploration/Fox Geological/BP Minerals in Vancouver, BC between 1970 and 1979. Ray served as AAG Secretary 1980 to 1985; as a Councillor: 1990 - 1992, 1999-2000, 2006-2009; member of the AAG Education Committee 2010-2014 and the Strategy Committee (2016-2017). Ray retired from the BC Geological Survey after 20 years with government as a geochemist and now spends his time consulting, teaching (part time) undergraduate university courses in geochemistry and economic geology and serving on various geoscience committees. Since joining the Association in 1972, he has seen it evolve from an organization primarily aimed at encouraging the use of geochemistry for mineral exploration to one that is now a leading advocate for applying the science to a wider range of applications including environmental and urban geochemistry and geoanalysis. The Association has an excellent technical journal (GEE), a high quality newsletter (EXPLORE), strong leadership and stable finances, but it has the challenge of maintaining membership when faced with competition from other geoscience organizations. Sustainability and future growth will depend on developing collaborative links and lines of communication with other international geoscience organisations and encouraging younger geoscientists and students to become Association members.