UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
urban centers have for the scientific community. My desire to spread awareness of science and geology intertwines perfectly with the global drive to push consciousness of how we affect our world, such as climate change, through scientific evidence.
It is extremely relevant to my ambition to become a geologist that I was raised from this kind of community and understand how to approach these topics in a public forum. For example, sinkholes in central Florida are an increasing hazard and should be better addressed in order to recognize the warning signs, but it requires efficient communicators as to why this geologic topic is significant to acknowledge. Another instance would be minor towns located near a dangerous volcano where there is a high risk for eruptions, but not enough scientific communication to properly inform the population. Everyone, no matter where they live or how small the community, should have access to this information and have someone who can facilitate communication of these vital concepts, such as a geologist like me. For this reason, I am driven to make geologic information readily available and understood by the general population a major focus of my lifetime career as a geologist.
Alongside the effort to publicize geologic information, noth- ing has drawn me in more than the instinct to understand the complexities of our earth, let alone the universe as a whole. My career choice as a geologist is the perfect concoction of major sci- ences like chemistry, biology, and physics that come together in unison to explain the history of the ground beneath us as well as the distant planets that occupy the same universe as us. I am blessed that there are opportunities in my career to conduct my own research ranging from understanding eruptive timings for hazard mitigation all the way to understanding how geologic and volcanic activity occurs on separate planetary bodies. My career choice also includes being able to teach geology classes and inspiring undergraduate and graduate students through the academic platform. There is not just one motivation, but instead a diverse and colorful array of reasons for why I want to be a geologist.
Trisia Tellez SA-10973
The University of Texas at El Paso Texas Section
In the Summer of 2018, I experienced a lot of firsts. First time traveling on my own, first time in Pennsylvania, first time taking a geology course, and definitely my first time conduct- ing field work. As an ambitious freshman at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), with one semester under my belt, I applied for the Marcellus Shale Geology Field Course at The Pennsylvania State University (PSU). I realized how out of place I was during the class introductions on the first day; I was the only freshman in a senior geology course. As the tenacious individual that I am, I did not let my lack of experience stop me from excelling in the course.
My rock collection grew quite large before I discovered I could collect rocks professionally. Spending summers with my grandparents as a child left plenty of time for nature walks, indulging in hours of flipping pages of National Geographic magazine and Discovery’s Encyclopedia of Animals, and col- lecting fragments of petrified wood. My grandfather sparked scientific inquiry in me, and I have not stopped asking ques-
www.aipg.org
tions about the world around me since. Math and Science came easy to me in school, so naturally when I entered high school, I filled my extracurriculars with STEM based classes and became the vice president of the STEM club during my junior and senior years. From 2013-2017, my contribution to the Regional Science and Engineering Fair analyzed potential solutions to combat the adverse effects of oceanic oil spills. This project qualified for the state level competition twice and was awarded the Student Award for Geoscience Excellence by the Association of Women Geoscientists. The experience gave me insight into conducting research and helped me recognize my impact on matters important to me.
As a university student, I decided to channel my aspirations by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a concentration in Geoscience and a minor in Chemistry at UTEP. Dedication to my academic performance can be seen through my consistent in-class performance, as reflected by my GPA, and my involvement in research opportunities.
As a professional geologist I hope to inspire young people to indulge in the gifts that the natural world so freely offers, the same way my grandfather inspired me.”
“
My comprehension for my courses has allowed me to bridge subjects together and immerse myself in interdisciplinary col- laboration. Attending PSU in the summer of 2018 granted me opportunities to master geology field-mapping techniques, and experience for the first time what it was like to be a geologist. After learning the meaning behind the words “strike and dip” there was no stopping me. Independent from the comfort of my home institution, I improved my ability to communicate and produce results, in a collaborative setting. I brought home with me a clearer understanding of real- world applica- tions for geoscience and new goals for my academic career. I continued to apply for summer research opportunities in the following years, and I was scheduled to attend the Summer Multicultural Access to Research Training (SMART) program at the University of Colorado Boulder in the summer of 2020 to conduct biogeochemical research. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic my position in the SMART program was deferred until the summer of 2021. Although I have yet to attend, I am excited to return to field work with a slightly more experienced eye.
In my junior year, I am now working as an Undergraduate Research Assistant under the mentorship of Dr. Benjamin Brunner. I am conducting research on the formation of dolo- mitic caprock at a salt dome in Gypsum Valley Colorado. Utilizing geodynamics, we are investigating the conditions in which dolomite formation was thermodynamically feasible. By participating in such research, I am gaining knowledge on sulfur biogeochemical cycles. The tools that I acquire from this portion of my career are directly transferable to my goals for graduate school. I intend to pursue research focused on carbon dynamics and interactions at the master’s level before advancing to a Ph.D. to further contribute to resolving the sustainability issues our society is currently facing. As a pro- fessional geologist I hope to inspire young people to indulge in the gifts that the natural world so freely offers, the same way my grandfather inspired me.
Jul.Aug.Sep 2021 • TPG 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
