Anna M. Morisani M.S., geology Mobile, Alabama "I was the Teaching Assistant for the inaugural GeoFORCE Texas Program held July 2005. The program took 40 minority students from Southwest Texas on a true geoadventure from Austin to Washington, D.C., and on to New Mexico. I am proud to have been a part of this invaluable experience."
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Degree pursued, advisor, and areas of interest:

M.S., geology, Dr. Mark Cloos, geochronology, petrography, sedimentology, and tectonics

Other degrees (including field and year)/colleges:

B.S., geology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, 2003

Title of thesis/dissertation

Detrital zircon geochronology and petrography of Franciscan graywacke blocks: Implications for mélange genesis

What sparked your interest in geology?

I was actually an art major when I took my first geology class in undergrad. I think that the visual aspect of geology is what captivated me. I took another intro class over the summer and switched my major.

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

Coming from such a small school, I knew that the Jackson School could provide me with opportunities I could only imagine. The facilities available for use by students are unbelievable.

In addition to research opportunities, studying at the Jackson School has allowed me the opportunity to obtain first-hand experience working in outreach programs in the geological sciences. I was the Teaching Assistant for the inaugural GeoFORCE Texas Program held July 2005. The program took 40 minority students from Southwest Texas on a true geoadventure from Austin to Washington, D.C., and on to New Mexico. I am proud to have been a part of this invaluable experience.

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

A large part of my Master’s project has involved the dating of detrital zircons with the Isoprobe LA-ICPMS. The work I have done has resulted in questions that need to be answered regarding the complexities of sediment transport at an active subduction zone.

Want to share any highlights such as awards, special events, or professional presentations of your work?

On October 19, 2005, I presented a portion of my Master’s thesis at the GSA national meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.

What one research tool could you not live without?

A microscope. Obtaining age dates for rocks without fully understanding their character is useless. The tool of detrital zircon geochronology is only strengthened by the addition of a petrographic study of the rocks themselves.

What are your career goals?

Studying geology has changed the course of my path. I want to pursue a career in geoscience education at the university level. My interest has been sparked through my studies at UT and in my work in outreach programs conducted by the Department.

Where are you from?

I was born in Rhode Island, but at a very young age my family moved to Mobile, Alabama, where I grew up.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

For this interview we were asked to provide a picture of ourselves in the field. The only problem with that is I’m usually the one taking the pictures. Even though I changed my major in undergrad, I have never lost touch with my artistic side. I still take pictures and paint occasionally. A love of the outdoors is a prerequisite for a field geologist, and no matter where my career path takes me, I will continue to value what a classroom it makes.

What is your favorite rock?

Sandstone.

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

Austin is the live music capital of the world. Get a copy of the Austin Chronicle to see who is playing and where.

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