2015 AIPG STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Vanessa Fernandes, SA-6301
My interest in geology is a confluence of accident, inspired by mentoring from passionate experts, and random historical events at the crossroads of High School and College. That being said, I knew that I was destined to a career in the field when I went on an expedition in Kenya during my junior year of high school. I was with a team of thirteen other people and our goal was to climb to the summit of Mt. Kenya. As we ascended Mt. Kenya, I took note of the diverse topography, flora and fauna, pausing often to elate in each observation. Despite the four days of sweat, insect bites, chilling winds, ankle deep marsh, and purified river water, we reached the summit. But more importantly, I symbolically reached the summit of my desires to pursue Geology as a life-path. Following this experience, my eyes have a permanent filter- I see the world through geologic lens. My travels however, did not stop in Kenya but perme- ated to exploration of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and Andaman Islands in India.
During my sophomore year at Hofstra University, I volun- teered with Dr. Charles Merguerian to pursue research that investigated the geotechnical limitations of mega-construction projects in New York City. The practical applications procured immediate fascination. My responsibilities entailed mapping the man-made connections between Manhattan Island and its surrounding regions including water tunnels, railroads, and subway lines using Photoshop; this responsibility helped me develop my cartographic skills. Additionally, compiling data on each connection, including the construction techniques incorporated, fine-tuned my documentation skills. The project concentrated on the use of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), a common tunnel excavation technique employed in recent times. We reported on some of the significant differences in penetration rate in tunnel boring projects which result from changes in the consistencies of the metamorphic and igneous rocks underlying Manhattan. The culmination of my independent study consisted of a presentation at the annual Long Island Geologists’ conference at Stony Brook University.
Now I am at my fourth and final year at Hofstra University. I have been an enthusiastic participant in all of the academic and professional opportunities presented to me. While working as a tutor and teaching assistant, I’ve developed an affilia- tion for assisting peers in the topics I’m so passionate about. Lately, I have been working on collecting and dating sediment cores and sampling them for trace metal analysis to look at the contamination history of marshes in southwestern Long Island; this work will compose my senior thesis at Hofstra. Despite my appreciation of the experience I’ve gotten in sedi- mentological/environmental projects, my main area of interest is structural geology.
I want to become an expert in structural geology. In pursuit of this goal, I will be attending a field camp with Southern Illinois University this summer. Additionally, I am apply- ing to geology masters programs that focus on areas that are of interest to me. On completion of my masters, I plan on pursuing my doctorate in geology. I hope that gaining a thorough understanding in the field of geology enables me to make a positive difference in the world while enabling me to love what I do. I was very inspired by Dr. Merguerian’s work on mega construction projects in New York City and aspire to someday contribute to projects of the same caliber. I hope I too can assist at fostering a safe environment during these mega-construction projects.
I look forward to the challenges ahead and hope that I am given the opportunity to pursue my academic and professional career goals.
Chloe Ivanoff, SA-6337
I have always loved the earth sciences, but I found them more intimidating when I first entered university. Perhaps this is why my initial declared major was a bachelor of arts in geography. When I transferred to my cur- rent school, the University of Alaska Anchorage, I declared geology as my major because there was no geography program
offered. I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting myself into, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. My true appreciation for geology came while taking courses in geochemistry, mineralogy, and hydrogeology. What I loved about these classes is they took all the stuff I learned in chemistry, physics, and calculus and applied it to real life. Learning about the solubility of calcite and applying Darcy’s law to groundwater flow was so cool! Looking at thin sections of rocks in mineralogy opened up a whole new world to me. I never knew how amazingly different a mineral can look with the use of a scope or even a hand lens. Just recently I did a whole lab in my sedimentology class on concretions. These were some of the most intriguing rocks I have ever encoun- tered. All of the classes I have taken in geology have been challenging, but that is part of why I enjoy studying geology. I want to be a geologist because it’s exciting, challenging, and there are so many places to explore and try to explain. I also know that it is a field that will always be valuable because it encompasses all things vital to life water, rocks, minerals, soil and so much more.
Jasmine Stefansky, SA-5197
Ever since childhood I had a fascination with rocks. I would search the fields near my house and collect rocks for hours, even though ninety percent of them were granites! My love of nature and the outdoors started young. During high school my interests in biology and envi- ronmental science grew and I took advanced classes. When I arrived at Central Michigan University I was sure I wanted to be a biologist. I even worked as an undergraduate researcher in a fisheries biology lab. I liked
what I was doing, but I realized I was spending the majority of my time on my geology elective.
When I told my geology professor I was interested in learn- ing more, she was so excited. She paired me with an amazing advisor and I felt instantly at home. Now, I am still interested in the biological and chemical aspects, but I am most inter- ested in the geology aspect. I am fortunate enough to have
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