CLASSROOM EARTH My experience at the WMU Hydrogeology Field Camp Ingvild Haneset Nygard
It all began with a Google-search. I wanted to travel and do something relevant for my studies during the sum- mer, so I figured that a field course would be perfect. I would gain a lot of practical experience to put together with my theoretical knowledge about my subject, hydrogeology. A quick search for hydrogeology field camps revealed camps all over the world, so I began to eliminate options to find the perfect camp for me. By the end I was left with the Western Michigan University Hydrogeology Field Camp (WMU HFC) in Kalamazoo, Michigan, as the perfect match.
As I headed over the sea with my new unused steel-toe boots and work gloves in my luggage, I hoped this would be an educational and adventurous sum- mer. Little did I know it would become so much more. The course contained of six modules – each one lasts a week and counts as one semester credit hour. The topics included aquifer testing, well drilling installation, surface geophysics, groundwater sampling and monitoring, remediation design and implementation as well as Hazardous Waste Operations
and final exams. This whole package gave a little taste of how it is like to work with hydrogeology after the studies end, which is a valuable experience to refer to in a future job application. I am sure that I got my current job because of my participation at this hydrogeology field camp.
and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training. The instructors were dedicat- ed, inspiring and gave lectures to support the field exercises. We were taught valu- able lessons which we will bring with us into future studies and jobs.
The course was well designed and con- tained various work methods; individual and group work, written assignments such as papers and reports, oral presen- tations, preparing fieldwork, performing fieldwork and use of different digital tools to analyze, interpret and present data collected from the field exercises,
Besides being the best decision I have made concerning my career so far, I also got a lot of new friends and connections during my stay at the field course. The many hours we spent together in the classroom, in the field and in group works lead to friendships that still last today. I often refer to “when I was at hydrogeology field camp …” in both job and social settings. The camp director Tom Howe did a huge effort in making my stay a blast. I felt really welcome and fit in with the rest of the participants. I am enormously grateful to have partici- pated at WMU HFC the summer of 2015. And as I headed back home to Norway after that summer, I brought back a lot of good memories, more knowledge, a lot of field experiences, and new friendships along with my muddy steel-toe shoes in my luggage.
WMU Hydrogeology Field Camp Elijah J. Chandler
My name is Elijah J. Chandler and I studied Geology at Humboldt State University (HSU). Although I enjoyed my professors and classes at HSU, I wanted to expand the breadth of my knowledge so that I could be more ver- satile in the working world. I realized that hydrogeology was a good fit for me because I wanted to work with rivers, streams, and groundwater flow. That’s when a peer of mine mentioned Western Michigan’s Hydrogeology Field Course. I was immediately interested and after doing some research I knew that’s where I needed to go.
The time spent at Western Michigan was invaluable. We were able to grow in a structured environment that left room for creativity and ingenuity. We spent our time understanding essen-
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tial background information, which was used daily in practical application at real geological project sites. We built and analyzed water wells, interpreted discharge data, and mapped aquifers using cool technology. Every day was different and every week included new challenges and skills.
Since completing the Hydrogeology Field Course I feel completely prepared and confident in my abilities to be a contributing member in any workforce. Looking at job descriptions online and seeing that the skills they require are all the skills I’ve learned is just reassur- ance that I made the right choice. I will never forget the relationships I made and the experience I had. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who is interested.
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