Welcome to Gustavus Adolphus College’s Student Stories Series!
Geological Society of America Presenter
Major: Geology and Scandinavian Studies
What was/is your career opportunity/experience (i.e. internship, shadowing experience, research)?
The Geological Society of America (GSA) is a major geological association that hosts an annual conference displaying many different types of geologic research, with about 8,000 people in attendance. I am presenting on my summer research conducted at Gustavus with the Presidential Grant. In order to do this, I created an abstract and went through the application process and was accepted. A major responsibility for me will be to create a large format poster (4′ by 8′) of my research and present it to an audience. This presentation will be judged by professionals.
How did you get the opportunity/experience? What steps did you take to achieve this?
I have conducted geologic research with Professor Julie Bartley at Gustavus for the last two years, including the summer. Because of this time spent on research, I had enough material for a large format poster and abstract submission for this conference. I submitted an abstract and it was accepted.
Tell us more about your accomplishment (include title, role, location, program, etc.)
I was able to present my poster to many experts in my field, and also to other students like me at this conference with this funding. I was also able to attend over 20 talks and explored many career opportunities. I got to network to both graduate programs, specific professors, and also employers too. I learned so much through this 5-day National Conference.
Who were some of the people who helped you most at Gustavus to get this opportunity? What did you learn from them?
Professor Julie Bartley was so helpful in me succeeding. She has supported my research by finding funding for me within the department, applying for grants with me to support further research, and helping me and encouraging me to apply for this incredible opportunity. I would not have the opportunities that I have had without her mentorship and support.
How did the Engaged Learning Funds help you be able to complete this experience?
I would not have been able to attend this conference without the Engaged Learning Funds, as it was an investment of both time and money for a college student to go. I am so grateful I was able to afford this valuable presentation and learning experience trough the Engaged Learning Fund.
How have you applied things you’ve learned here at Gustavus to this opportunity? (i.e., Career & Self Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, Technology)
I was able to apply what I have already learned about communication to present my research effectively to many people over a long timeframe. I was also able to conduct myself in a professional manner through the tips I’ve learned through past summer coursework and research here at Gustavus.
