UNDERGRADUATE ESSAYS


Natalie Sorensen, SA-11971


Michigan Technological University


Michigan Section


My first camping adventure started around my third birthday in Arches National Park. The rocks, sand, and endless potential of


exploration filled me with joy. I spent endless hours climbing the rocks around our campsite, looking through each nook and cranny. I explored every possible area achievable by a toddler. This trip was just the beginning of my exposure to the great outdoors. Each year my family explored a new area of the United States to explore and learn about the breathtaking beauty of nature and broaden my exposure to the geological wonders our landscape has to offer. I looked forward to these trips, but little did I know, these vacations would help guide me towards the geology field.


Now fast forward to high school when I started thinking about


what career I wanted to pursue. My favorite subjects have always been math and science which led me to take the Project Lead the Way engineering courses. During my sophomore year of high school for the class, we had to find and research an engineering discipline that we were interested in. I knew I wanted to choose a career that revolved around the outdoors because of my love for nature along with my curiosity about how the incredible geologic features formed that I kept visiting during my vacations. This led me to the geosci- ences field and as a result, I discovered Geological Engineering. This career was a perfect fit for me to tie my interests to exploring geology along with the technical problem-solving engineering side. During my junior year of high school, I met Dr. John Gierke during a visit to Michigan Technological University. He helped me further


What AIPG does . . .


Professional Certification - Certifies geologists based on their Competence, Integrity, and Ethics.


Ombudsman - Intervenes with regulatory boards and agencies on behalf of individual geologists, at the geologist's request. Information also is disseminated in cooperation with the Association of State Boards of Geologists.


Liability Insurance - Provides access to insurance for errors and omissions, designed specifically for geologists.


Continuing Education - Through online learning, publica- tions, seminars, short courses, and field trips, provides educa- tional opportunities for geologists, other scientists, engineers, and the general public.


understand the Geological Engineering field. Once he mentioned geohydrology, it piqued my interest even more in this field. At the time, I was working on a water resources year-long project for my Project Lead the Way class. The aspects of water had already interested me and hearing that the aspects of water and geology could be combined into a future career made me even more excited about the field of geosciences.


As I entered college, I could not wait to start learning. From my


first semester of taking an introductory geology course, I found myself endlessly talking with my friends and family about rocks and all the amazing geologic facts I was learning. From this point, I knew for sure that I was in the right place. Each class I have taken since then has fueled my growing love and interest in the geology field. Beyond the classroom, I have worked on a research project with Dr. Gierke to verify the accuracy of climate and plant metric data from a new technology device to understand the hydrology of Chassell, Michigan. This research is being used for his project in El Salvador to help farmers understand the hydrology of their area to sustain their crops during a drought that is being caused by climate change. This research helped bridge the gap between the classroom and real-life applications.


The Earth’s natural resources are vital, key components for us to


sustain everyday life. We need to make sure that these resources are preserved for future generations. People working in the geo- sciences field are the ones that will help make this possible and I want to be one of those people. As a Geological Engineer, I have the potential to work in the geohydrology field to help preserve our water resources, help mitigate environmental disasters or natural hazards, or other fields I am still learning about. My ultimate goal is to find a pathway where I can have a positive impact on the Earth and society for future generations.


All of these experiences have solidified my passion and drive for


becoming a Geological Engineer. My journey has just begun and I am excited for what my future has in store.


Republished from Q1 2024 edition of Colorado Section's Faulted Digest.


Categories of Membership - Certified Professional


Geologist, Professional, Early Career Professional, Associate, and Student.


Lobbying - Presents testimony and position papers to


Federal and State legislators and agencies on matters affect- ing geologists and geologists' employment opportunities. Exhibits at the National Conference of State Legislators.


Supplemental, Life, and Accident Insurance - Provides access to a full line of supplemental, life, and accident insurance.


International Comity - Through agreements with profes- sional societies in other countries, provides access for its Members to professional registration, certification, or char- tered status in those countries.


State and Section Activities - State and regional sections work on local political issues and the professional status of geologists in their geographic areas. The Institute's sections around the country hold regular meetings, featuring educational programs covering important subjects of interest to professional geologists. One of the most worthwhile benefits of AIPG Membership is the opportunity to make per- sonal contact at the local and State level; to meet fellow geologists; and to learn from them.


www.aipg.org Jul.Aug.Sep 2024 • TPG 29


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