UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Alaska Section Sponsored National Scholarship Winner
Monika Fleming, SA-9003 University of Alaska Anchorage-
Alaska Section I was first formally introduced to
the study of geology after working a summer job in Yellowstone National Park, and learning that I lived on a super volcano in the middle of Wyoming struck my curiosity, so that I had many more questions. I was unaware that this major existed at the start of college but luck- ily, was able to switch over to a subject
with content that interested me enough to stay engaged and get excited about school! I soon transferred to the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). I learned that the career paths are essentially endless, which can be slightly overwhelming but also exciting. Alaska is a place where geologists are very important people. From volcanologists to petroleum geologists to hydrogeologists they all play a big role in Alaska’s economy, public safety, and environmental sustainability.
This past summer I attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks eight week field camp. Projects for this camp were located in Healy, Denali National Park, and Limestone Gap. I was exposed to field geology in a very real way. I found the work to be complicated and exciting with many challenges to work through. Geology changes the way one interacts and views the natural world, for me, to a more meaningful way. By the end of field camp I understood that not all work in the field of geology is dynamic and thrilling. During the fall I was asked to work for two geologists in Nome Alaska to help survey geothermal potential at Pilgrim Hot Springs for the city
of Nome. Working with them showed me that some geological work is even more exciting, but a little less straightforward than is field camp. The days were long and the work was hard, but it was fun and the end goal of helping Nome to depend less on diesel energy and to give them a more reliable and sustainable form of energy is important work.
While field geology is amazing, I also love sitting at my computer and working on large datasets. I do feel, in order to be a well-rounded geologist, one needs the discipline and interest in the subject to do both. I actually feel most creative when finding new ways to manipulate data to show the clear- est patterns. I feel fulfilled when I find something that seems off about data and I am able to investigate the cause of the problem. Also using computer software like GIS has been an invaluable tool for a geologist to look at the world in ways that were not possible before.
I want to be a geologist because I believe that I can use my knowledge of earth’s systems to benefit a changing society. I found being a geology student I get to work in the places I love but also with the type of hardworking, fun, and kind people I want to be associated with. I imagine becoming a professional geologist would afford the same benefits. I hope you enjoyed reading about what motivates and drives me as a geologist and I hope you consider me for this scholarship!
About the Essayist
Monika Fleming is a recent graduate from University of Alaska Anchorage, studying in Alaska has been a thrilling and enriching geologic experience! She has just accepted a short term job as an entry-level field geologist and looking into graduate schools.
Ohio Section Sponsored National Scholarship Winners
Molly E. Hunt, SA-10630 The Ohio State University - Ohio Section
Geology is the art of Earth’s storytell- ing, and it’s the story I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life telling. You asked me to share why I want to pursue a career as a geologist? Well I have wanted to be a scientist since the innocent age of five and
nurturing my curious mind through the geological sciences has been my saving grace. Every time I pick up a fossil sample, or create a chemical reaction in lab, or show a group of eager youth how to crack open a geode I feel something special. Being involved in Earth Sciences allowed me to work on questions, design my own tests, create my own models and build my
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Jul.Aug.Sep 2020
understanding of how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics impact our lives while working with others. This experimental approach to learning has opened doors to me for increased learning and exploration.
My passion for geology first began at the age of five when a shoe box of rock samples was bestowed upon me by my late grandmother. These few samples soon turned into a now respectable collection of approximately 300 samples of rocks, minerals, and fossils that I collected have in the years since. As a child I spent hours in the local public library fulfilling my curiosity and rejoicing in the opportunity to share my knowledge with anyone willing to listen. This passion did cause me to face adversity early on, as many fellow students in my close-knit elementary school teased me about my rock collection. They called me weird and told me that only boys
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