Shannon Ahern

B.S. Geology '21

What makes the program unique?

The immersive experience that being a geology student provided was irreplaceable. I was able to go on many field trips and participate in research which prepared me very well for graduate school.

How did ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ prepare you for the next chapter in your life?

Rocky provided me with an incredible introduction to research and analytical techniques that I use on a daily basis as a graduate student. I was able to gain experience in petrographic analysis and magma modeling. I was also introduced to GIS and mapping techniques.

Can you talk about your career path since graduating from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½?

Since graduating from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, I have been continuing my education as an M.S. student at Texas Tech University. I am doing research on magnetite pipes in the Bushveld Complex of South Africa. I was also able to do fieldwork in South Africa during the summer of 2021. As of right now, I am pursuing a graduate degree in Geosciences with a focus on igneous petrology at Texas Tech University. 

What advice would you give to students who are considering majoring in your field?

I would tell them that it is one of the most useful degrees that one could get at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. The job prospects are vast and the research/field experiences will be some of the best times of your life.