Univ Record 2018

2015
DANIELLE KONDLA (University of Calgary) died on 26 September 2017. Danielle was
a student in the Department of Earth Sciences where she was working towards a DPhil
in Sedimentology. Her family and friends have written the following tribute:
Danielle Kondla died peacefully, with
her mother by her side, in Calgary, Alberta
on September 26, 2017 at the age of 34.
Danielle is survived by her parents, Heather
(Rosario) and Kurt; sister Lisa; niece Wren;
maternal grandmother Helen; step-siblings
Paul and Chantelle; nephew Amari; and
numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and
friends.
Danielle was born on November 18,
1982 in Calgary, AB. where she attended
school with a close-knit group of friends.
Upon graduation, Danielle attended Olds
College and graduated in 2003 from the
faculty of Animal Health Technology. After
working for several years in this field, Danielle decided to pursue her passion for Geology
and returned to her studies at the University of Calgary. There she completed her BSc
(2013) and MSc in Geology (2015). She obtained Honours with Distinction for both
of these degrees and various awards. Her passion, strong work ethic, and perseverance
paid off as she was accepted to Oxford University (United Kingdom) to complete her
DPhil Geology degree. Danielle’s new career in Geology allowed her to travel the world,
presenting her research and knowledge at various universities and conferences, which led
to her developing strong friendships internationally.
Illness did not prevent Danielle from continuing her research and her efforts
were recognized with the 2017 Distinguished Service Award (presented by The
Society for Organic Petrology) and the Alexander R. Cameron Award for Excellence
in Student Achievement (presented by The Canadian Society for Coal Science and
Organic Petrology). Although the community she left behind continues to grieve her
loss, Danielle’s legacy is being honoured in a variety of ways. The research that she
conducted while obtaining her DPhil in Sedimentology will continue to be explored
through collaboration with research teams from Oxford University and the University
of Calgary. Additionally, the University of Calgary is creating a scholarship fund in her
name to be awarded to exemplary students who possess Danielle’s tenacity, curiosity,
and academic aptitude. Finally, The Society of Organic Petrology (TSOP) has renamed
an annual international award in Danielle’s name. The Danielle Kondla Awards are two
awards given every year to the best presentations by students. Danielle broke a record by
receiving this award three times.
Danielle’s family is comforted in knowing that her academic achievements and
discoveries will continue to have an impact on future research and work within the
geologic community internationally.
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