Nicholas Czarnecki, UNC – From a childhood obsession with collecting rocks and minerals, Nicholas developed interests in GIS/GPS, field technologies, geomorphology, and geomorphic hazards. He enjoys utilizing survey techniques to map and better understand local geomorphology and potential geomorphic hazards. It follows, therefore, that he will be exploring career opportunities in surveying and geomorphic hazard assessments.
Rayni Lewis, Western Colorado Univ. – Rayni’s passion in protecting the western hydrologic supply was amplified during five summers as a raft guide. As a geology major and math minor, and a Teaching Assistant for structural geology, calculus III, and differential equations, she has been funded for a Taylor Park hydrology project near Gunnison. Rayni is also the winner of the RMAG Foundation’s C. Elmo and Kathleen W. Brown Scholarship for summer field camp. She plans to pursue an MS in hydrology.
Sammy Malavarca, CSU – Following a 10-year career in the brewing industry, she followed her interest from courses in soils and geomorphology by adding structural geology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, and field research skills to her list of academic accomplishments. Her professor, Rick Aster, describes her as an exceptional student who received the highest undergraduate scholarship award offered to students. Sammy’s ambition is to pursue graduate studies.
Sherri Randall, Colorado Mesa Univ. – Sherri’s particular interests are in geochronology, geochemistry, and GIS. She has been working on her senior thesis since her sophomore year, utilizing 40Ar/39Ar radiometric dating to determine the provenance of detrital sanidine grains in the Miocene rivers of Western Colorado. She has worked in the New Mexico Geochronology Research Laboratory for multiple summers and has analyzed additional detrital zircon data at the Arizona LaserChron Center. A mother of three, she remarks that her “endless hunger for knowledge” will guide her to graduate school.
Abby Roat, Colorado College – Abby’s primary interest is in glaciology with modeling experience with subglacial hydrology under the Greenland Ice Sheet. Much of that modeling work has been done with Los Alamos Laboratory. Abby’s plans are to earn an MS and PhD in glaciology.
Vasey Stephens, Colorado School of Mines – Vasey is interested in starting a career in geologic hazards mitigation and engineering geology after a raft trip through the Grand Canyon. Wendy Bohrson, Department Head and Professor, describes Vasey as “accomplished and collaborative, with a very positive attitude. The CSM Engineering Department sends its kudos to Vasey.
Matt Wanda, Fort Lewis College – Hailing from Illinois, Matt has discovered the allure of geology and associated sports and activities. He is very interested in the mining industry, particularly after a summer internship at the Lisbon Valley copper mine in southwestern Utah where he assisted in the exploration drilling program. His senior research project involved studying the mineral assemblages, grades of ore, and geologic controls on mineralization at the Two Kids mine in Ouray, Colorado. Matt is interested in a position as an exploration geologist.