Degree pursued and area of interest:
B.S., hydrogeology
What sparked your interest in geology?
I have always been a rock hound. As a kid I would collect petrified wood on the dirt road in front of our house and walk creek bottoms after rains to find interesting things that washed out of the bank. I still do this, but now I know what I’m looking at. About five years ago I became interested in caving and joined the local grotto at UT. That’s when I decided to major in geology. When I applied to UT, I wrote geology in as my major and was one of two geologists in my session at orientation.
Why did you choose the Jackson School’s UT Department of Geological Sciences for your studies?
This is a great geology school. The School of Mines in Colorado was my next choice, but they are extremely expensive for out-of-state students. UT was located close to where I lived at the time, so I could commute. Now I live in south Austin. Also I wanted to live in Austin since it’s such a great town.
What do you enjoy the most about your studies or research? About working at the Jackson School?
This is a great field of study since it is ubiquitous. Everywhere you go, there is geology. I love the cognitive aspect of the work. Geology is a problem-solving type of work, and you are always fitting a new piece of the puzzle into place. There are lots of opportunities at the Jackson School. They are clamoring for students in all fields, and last but not least, you get to go on FIELD TRIPS!
Want to share any highlights such as awards, special events, or professional presentations of your work?
Four years ago I was the first high-school student to be elected the president of the University Speleological Society. I have served four consecutive terms and absolutely love the group of people that compose that club. I have yet to publish any work, but I am working on a project in San Saba County that may become my undergrad thesis if things go well.
What one research tool could you not live without?
My rock hammer is absolutely essential for smacking rocks and finding out what’s inside, but my favorite tool by far is my hand lens. I carry it on my key chain and use it whenever something small is of interest. The ability to spontaneously magnify anything in my surroundings by 10 times is a luxury I have come to relish. People are always surprised and intrigued when I whip out my hand lens to observe some minute feature. They always want to know what I’m doing. It’s a great icebreaker.
What are your career goals?
I’m pursuing a bachelor’s in hydrogeology for the time being, but my plans are to go to graduate school and on to a career possibly consulting for the state or a local water conservation district.
Where are you from?
The once-quiet town of Bastrop, Texas
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am an avid caver. I take trips down to Mexico and West Texas to go underground and explore. I recently learned to survey and draft cave maps, so now I’m beginning to do more survey trips than purely recreational ones. I also rock climb at the Barton Creek green belt, and I love to go camping out in West Texas with my caver friends.
What is your favorite rock and why?
I would have to say gypsum because it forms such amazing crystals in the subterranean environment. Gypsum flowers, extruded hairs, and even massive blades the size of a man. It’s right up there with calcite when it comes to the variability in its crystal structure.
What fun activity would you recommend to an incoming UT student?
Come check out the UT Grotto and see if caving is for you. Also GET OUT! Austin is a beautiful city and has more to offer the outdoor type than almost any metropolis its size. There is no reason why you should be indoors when you are surrounded by such opportunity. Especially if you are a geologist.
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