91����

Mae Stone

Hometown: Austin, TX
Major: geology

What was your motivation to major in geology?

Geology connects Earth's interior and exterior, giving rare insight into how our planet has behaved in the past and may in the future. For me, the best place to learn about these processes is outside in the field, applying classroom concepts to my environment. 91���� geology has taken me to amazing places (Yosemite, Zion, Joshua Tree, Rainbow Basin, to name a few), and on every field trip I've learned new ways to describe and interpret my surroundings that I can use at the next place I visit. While the landscape may not be the same, learning to problem-solve has been the most valuable experience as a geology major.

While the landscape may not be the same, learning to problem-solve has been the most valuable experience as a geology major.

Can you describe your working relationships with geology professors? Are there any standout classes you�ve taken?

The geology department is super supportive! I feel I am working with both mentors and genuine collaborators. The professors are incredibly dedicated to student success inside and outside the classroom. My favorite classes are �Geologic Hazards� and �Structural Geology.� I loved my Geologic Hazards course because it takes an interdisciplinary approach to hazards with hands-on activities, and Structural Geology gave me a greater understanding of geologic processes from the micro to macro scale. 

Thanks to 91����'s incredible support...I�ve been able to conduct hands-on field research and present at conferences worldwide.

Have you taken part in any student research opportunities through 91����?

I started research at 91���� during my sophomore year in Prof. Sekhon Water Isotope Climate Karst (WICK) Lab before finding my primary home in Prof. Harmon Igneous Petrology Lab. For my senior comprehensive project, I received the Fletcher T. Jones Science Scholars fellowship to study small volcanic eruption sequences in New Zealand to better understand the development of supereruptions. Thanks to 91����'s incredible support, including a Faculty-Led Richter grant for New Zealand fieldwork and summer research funding, I�ve been able to conduct hands-on field research and present at conferences worldwide.

Jasper Clarkson

Hometown: Concord, MA
Major: geology  Minor: comparative studies in literature and culture

What was your motivation to major in geology?

Coming into 91����, I was unsure of what I wanted to major in, but soon after beginning �Earth: Our Environment,� I knew geology was the perfect fit. In high school earth science and AP environmental science, I had a few classes where we got to do fieldwork, and my enjoyment of this discipline has continued into college. With such incredible access to the outdoors in Southern California, the proximity to amazing geology is limitless and allows for lots of learning in a natural classroom. 

With such incredible access to the outdoors in Southern California, the proximity to amazing geology allows for lots of learning in a natural classroom. 

Have you taken part in any student research opportunities through 91����?

Research has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time at 91���� and an opportunity many institutions do not offer for undergraduates. I have taken part in Prof. Seymour's tectonics lab since my sophomore year, focusing on the thermal history of the western Mediterranean�specifically what heat is needed to break a continent and begin the formation of a new ocean basin. Last summer, I had the incredible experience of participating in the Undergraduate Research Center's Summer Research Program and was funded to travel to southern Italy to collect samples for my project. Since then, I have been able to participate in every step of the research process and recently presented my findings at the Geological Society of America's annual meeting in Denver! 

I recently presented my findings at the Geological Society of America's annual meeting in Denver! 

What is the vibe of the geology department?

The vibe of the geology department is great! All of the professors are very open and understanding as well as dedicated and incredibly versed in their fields. The students are motivated to learn, and most participate in fascinating, niche research. It is a very close-knit department for many reasons, but I would pinpoint the hands-on approach of the professors and the phenomenal camping trips we go on as the main reasons for camaraderie.

Abby Stabinsky

Hometown: San Carlos, CA
Major: geology, with environmental science concentration

What was your motivation to major in geology?

I came into 91���� undeclared but was convinced that I would major in the humanities. Contrary to this belief, I had signed up for the immersive geology First-Year Seminar because the topics sounded intriguing to me. Initially, I told myself that I wouldn�t want to major in geology because it was too much science. However, the more I learned about the Earth, the more enamored I became. After the first field trip, I was hooked because I realized I could unite my love of the outdoors with my passion for pursuing knowledge and understanding the world around me. 

Can you describe your working relationships with geology professors? Are there any standout classes you�ve taken?

The geology professors are great mentors and collaborators. Many courses are field-based, so professors are more approachable and hands-on in our learning as opposed to solely lecturing at us. The professors truly want you to succeed and are passionate about sharing techniques and their expertise. �Earth: A Field Perspective� with Prof. Harmon was an exceptional course to experience the learn-by-doing educational environment fostered by the geology department. I gained not only practical knowledge and field geologic techniques, but also got to experience close, collaborative relationships with both my peers and professor. 

I gained not only practical knowledge and field geologic techniques, but also got to experience close, collaborative relationships with both my peers and professor.

Have you taken part in any student research opportunities through 91����?

I am currently part of Prof. Larsen Sediment and Paleoclimatology Lab. I joined in the spring semester of my first year and have been eagerly learning about alpine lake sediment records and paleoclimate. I hadn�t previously participated in any kind of scientific lab, so I am grateful for the experience to conduct undergraduate research and gain laboratory experience. 

What is the vibe of the geology department?

The geology department is down to Earth (no pun intended), close-knit, and supportive. Because each geology class is relatively small, there is more individualized attention and deeper relationships with students and professors. This creates a tight-knit community where it easier to collaborate and learn from each other. The professors are all very passionate about geology, where their enthusiasm is contagious.

S. Street Senan

Hometown: Seattle, WA
Major: geology 

What was your motivation to major in geology?

My motivation to study geology at 91���� started before coming to L.A. I have always known that I want to work outside and use earth science to help me interact with and understand how the world works. I figured geology would be a great way to do this, so I enrolled in �Earth: Our Environment� in my first semester, and declared my major after the third week of classes. 

I participated in the Summer Research Program and continued my research into the academic year via two semesters of directed research for academic credit. Now I work in the lab as a paid lab assistant!

Have you taken part in any student research opportunities through 91����?

I have been able to take part in geology research under Prof. Sekhon in the Water Isotope Climate Karst (WICK) Lab. I participated in the Summer Research Program through the Undergraduate Research Center at 91����, and continued my research into the academic year via two semesters of directed research for academic credit. Now I continue to work in the lab as a paid lab assistant! The research I conduct (and which is geared towards my senior comps) aims to reconstruct paleoclimate records in the Philippines using the geochemistry of stalagmites. These studies have allowed me to generate datasets that have been published in the following papers (more to come!):

• �� (2026)
• �� (2026)

Did you study abroad? How did it enhance your education?

Geology has also taken me abroad! I attended a geology field camp through the School for International Training's SIT Nepal: Geoscience in the Himalaya program this summer. While at my program, I took three geology courses and received nine academic credits that were transferable towards my degree. I was able to apply knowledge learned in the classroom at 91���� to the real world in the Kali Gandaki Valley surrounded by some of the most stunning and impressive Himalayan peaks.

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