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RockClimbing Faculty mentor enables Katie Eccles to scale new heights in pursuit of her dream career By Laura Wasson Warfel
“She was right between the Newton and Galileo of geology!” That’s how the friend of Dr. Charles Carrigan ’96 described his amazement at an ONU student’s placement in the speaker line-up for a recent national conference. But amazed as his friend was, Dr. Carrigan, associate professor of geology and chemistry, was even prouder. For nearly a year-and-a-half, Dr. C arrigan and Katie Eccles ’11 (Plainfield, Ind.) — Olivet honors program student in geology and science education — had been preparing for this moment. They had reviewed literature, done fieldwork in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, worked with geological samples in the lab and collected data using the electron microprobe at the University of Michigan. Their work together culminated with Katie’s presentation at the 2010 meeting and symposium of The Geological Society of America (GSA). “Reaching New Peaks in Geoscience” was the theme of the 2010 GSA meeting, October 31 through November 3 in Denver, Colo. Katie might use the same phrase to describe her experiences during the past few months.
Laying groundwork for her future
Earning their respect
While in Denver, Katie also had the opportunity to learn from professionals in her field. “I learned so much in just two days!” Katie says. “I heard what’s happening now from the people who are doing it. Talking with Jordan (Cupp) Hayes ’07 was really great. She is working on her doctorate in geophysics at the University of Wyoming.” Dr. Carrigan adds, “At the GSA event, Katie was able to meet several potential graduate advisors. That will be a big help to her in her future plans for attending graduate school.”
Attending the GSA meeting were 6,540 geology professionals, educators and students representing 49 countries. Sixteen registered media representatives from Nature, Science News, American Scientist, Earth and About:Geology.com worked onsite throughout the event. Katie titled her presentation, “Preliminary P-T-T Investigation of Rutile-Bearing Pelitic Schists in the Southern Appalachian Blue Ridge”— one of only 189 oral presentations. “Katie’s presentation went exceedingly well,” says Dr. Charles Carrigan. “Few undergraduates present at GSA, and most who do give poster presentations, not oral presentations. After her talk, a number of people were surprised to find out that she was an undergrad. “She gave her presentation back-to-back with two very well-known and respected geologists who are professors at highly respected research institutions.”
Giving credit where due
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Katie on her honors thesis,” Dr. Carrigan says. “She has worked very hard and accomplished a lot.” “None of this would have been possible without the financial support we’ve received from several sources, including alumni,” Dr. Carrigan explains. “We have a lot of people to thank.” Much of Katie’s project was made possible through the Pence-Boyce Research program, which is funded
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“My professors guided and directed my education. They encouraged me and wanted me to succeed.” — KATIE ECCLES ’1 1