“The EGE Department has a very open and welcoming community. Geology is a smaller major, so everyone knows each other pretty well, but in my opinion, that only makes for a more comfortable environment.”
Growing up spending most of her time outside, Lucy was inclined to pursue a major that could allow her to make this an integral part of her career, leading her to Geology.
She appreciates the communal aspect of the EGE Department. Lucy feels that the smaller size of classes makes her closer with her peers and faculty and makes discussion more engaging.
Through the EGE Department, Lucy has had a variety of opportunities to engage in experiential learning off-campus. For one of her Geology classes, Lucy was able to participate in a spring break trip to Death Valley, California in which students learned about the geography of the region. Lucy has also been able to engage in research during the summers, including a field excursion to Big Bend National Park in Texas. During this trip, Lucy was a research assistant for a peer working on her senior project. For her own senior research project, she will be traveling to the Boundary Waters to conduct research there.
Lucy recognizes Professor Erik Gulbranson for being very supportive in helping to plan this research. The faculty within the Department have also given Lucy the opportunity to attend the Geological Society of America Conference in the fall of 2022. During this experience, Lucy was able to meet possible future employers.
As a whole, Lucy feels that the Geology faculty have prepared her very well for a future career, not just through course material but also through activities such as building a resume, conducting research and contacting internships/employers.
In addition to her work in the EGE Department, Lucy is also involved on campus with the Gustavus Swim Team, SAAC, and the Geology Club.