James Carmichael Undergraduate, geophysics Austin, Texas "It was not until I took Dr. Leon Long’s 303: Intro to Geology course while in the College of Electrical Engineering that I decided I was in the wrong major altogether."
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What sparked your interest in geology?

Well, I have always enjoyed geology and also had a rather large, ever-expanding rock collection; however, it was not until I took Dr. Leon Long’s 303: Intro to Geology course while in the College of Electrical Engineering that I decided… I was in the wrong major altogether.

Why did you choose the Jackson School’s UT Department of Geological Sciences for your studies?

Apart from there being an easy transfer process, I was lucky that the Jackson School had one of the leading departments of not only Geology but also Geophysics. Plus, I love Austin; I have lived here all my life and in all my travels within and outside the U.S., always enjoy coming back here.

What do you enjoy the most about your studies or research? About working at the Jackson School?

The amount of time spent in the field is amazing as a geophysicist; it’s not the desk work of engineering or the lab experience necessary for a physicist, but rather it’s a balance of all three. Even more importantly, I have spent time out with others studying, conversing, but moreover I have made connections both as friends and fellow geologists that will last throughout college and hopefully well into my career.

What one research tool could you not live without?

The mighty pen and paper (preferably a field notebook)… yeah, yeah, I know, that’s not all that much of a research tool, but I beg to differ: you see, the pen and paper are great for taking notes, for recording data, for drawing cross sections, diagrams, and the like. The list goes on and on for the usefulness of one of the original survey’s tools.

What are your career goals?

I get asked this all the time, and frankly, I’m not too sure. Of course, I would love to make money easily and live a lavish lifestyle, be in the history books for the man that discovered this or that; however, I will be very happy living a life on modest income and traveling the world on what’s left after charity, bills, and taxes.

Where are you from?

Austin, Texas.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

With the little spare time I manage to have: I enjoy hiking; spending time with friends, whether it be volunteering, going out in a field, hanging from a cliff somewhere, or simply relaxing with a beer in hand; watching obscure movies; and as always, bring on the board games.

What is your favorite rock and why?

Jamesonite, other than the obvious name connection… is rarely known by even the well-educated undergraduate geologist. It forms in low to moderate hydrothermal deposition, which is a process very fascinating and conducive to metallic rocks.

What fun activity would you recommend to an incoming UT student?

I would advise all UT students to be active outside of UT—in my opinion, choose the music scene, because there is plenty of it here in Austin. And most of all, I advise getting the full three-day ACL Music Festival pass, because it truly is the best value when it gets down to it, whether you go all three days or not—just be ready for a light sunburn and lots of live music.

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