¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ

• Hometown: Findlay, Ohio
• Class: 2026
• Major(s):  Environmental Science (co-major), Geography and Sustainable Development, Geology
• Other Activities, Honors, and Awards:
  • First Generation Student
  • Prodesse Scholar
  • Bridges Scholar
  • ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ Geological Society
  • American Institute of Professional Geologists
  • Unlearning Racism in Geoscience
  • Undergraduate Summer Scholars
  • Doctoral Undergraduate Opportunity Scholarship: An opportunity that funds an undergraduate and graduate student to work together on a research project
  • On to the Future: A scholarship that sponsors high-achieving students across the nation to attend and present at the national Geological Society of America conference

Why ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ?

I chose ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ because of the opportunities available and the community. There are so many opportunities to learn and grow whether it is through clubs, research, or study abroad experiences. When I visited ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ for the first time, I realized there is a strong and welcoming community present that I wanted to be a part of.

How did you choose your major?

Going into college, I knew that I was going to study geology. I have always had a passion for science and loved how interdisciplinary geology is. As for my second major in geography, I discovered it along the way. I learned how important an understanding of geography is for geology and started taking geography classes. After learning more about the subject, I decided that a second major would be the best choice for me.

Key Moment at ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ

Taking my first geography class in my second year at ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ with Dr. Shenyue Jia helped me learn just how much I enjoy learning about geography. I saw how much fun I was having in the class and realized my passion for the subject. That experience led to me adding a second major.

Other Notable Experience

Participating in undergraduate research and student organizations at ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ has been incredibly beneficial to my academic journey. I was able to attend professional conferences in North Carolina and California that helped me learn so much about my field. I am also vice president of the ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ Geological Society. With this organization, I have been able to meet other people that enjoy geology, traveling, and being outdoors. Since I entered college in 2022, I have been to 10 different states to explore and learn. This expanded my perspectives and has positively impacted my life.

Another ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ Moment

One thing that I love about ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ is that it is so easy to give back to the people who helped you throughout your time here. I participated in the Bridges Program in high school, and every year I work with an incredible team as an ambassador for the program. I also work in the Center for Career Exploration and Success as a peer career coach. With both of these positions, I am able to help others succeed and attain their goals within their education. It is very rewarding, and I am so thankful to have these opportunities.

Advice to Prospective Students

I would tell them that they should not be afraid to try something new or participate in events. There are so many opportunities available through ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ and you would not regret attending. I met so many of my close friends by being active on campus and it has made my time at ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ even better.

What are your career goals?  

After I graduate from ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ, I plan to attend graduate school. I aim to work for the United States Geological Survey upon completion of a masters degree. I would work on projects relating to minerals, landforms, and natural resources.