M.S. in Geology
Why did you choose graduate school at IUPUI?
I completed both my undergraduate degrees at IUPUI and had a strong relationship with the Earth Sciences faculty and staff. My undergraduate research in the Experimental Geochemistry Lab at IUPUI with Dr. Catherine Macris, my current advisor, also allowed me to transition into graduate school with definite research goals in mind.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
Academically, I feel my greatest accomplishment has been my change of perspective with respect to mathematics. Since high school, I felt disenchanted when learning about or practicing math, but when I saw the potential it held for my academic and professional career, as well as for my outlook on life, I dedicated myself to my studies. I am proud to have earned two Bachelor’s of Science, one from the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology and another from the Indiana University School of Science. I have also recently been made a Graduate Research Fellow of the National Science Foundation in the field of Geosciences - Computationally Intensive Research.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis has grown tremendously in the years I lived downtown, and that growth is my favorite aspect of the city. I have seen a wealth of new projects, organizations, and communities come about due to this growth and I believe that Indy will continue this trend and the school will benefit because of it.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
Work/research
My work in The Experimental Geochemistry Lab at IUPUI involves the investigation of rock affected by meteor impacts on Earth’s surface. I primarily investigate these processes through a combination of heating/partial vaporization experiments using an Aerodynamic Levitation Laser Furnace as well as statistically analyzing the chemistry of the products of my experiments. My undergraduate research has grown from a simple, data-entry project into the creation of what is likely the largest database of this type of geologic information in the world. I am proud to be able to say that my initiative on this project has transformed it in such a dramatic way.
Activities/communities/volunteer
As a graduate student, I assisted Dr. Macris during the 2020 semester as her Mineralogy course transitioned online and I was even able to help create curriculum material. I am the only student member of the Earth Sciences department community for improving diversity, equity, and inclusivity called GeoCORE. I am also a driver for Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana, a non-profit organization that delivers food to central Indiana’s homebound community.