Jamie worked deploying seismographs for the iMUSH project. Jamie is from Littleton, Colorado and is a geology student at Colorado University in Boulder, Colorado. Here are her responses to some questions:
What have you studied in science or are currently studying?
I already have a nursing degree and I am currently studying geology. I've helped out with some seismometers in Greeley, a magnetotellurics project in the Rio Grande Rift area, and now iMUSH. The projects are all very different, but they have a common thread in geophysics.
Do you have any ideas on what a middle school student could do in Science right now?
I'm not really sure, I know one of the high schools in Boulder has a program for their seniors to work with college professors on a project, but I don't really know of anything for middle school.
What or who inspired you to get into Science in the first place? What do you like about Science?
I was always interested in geology and I actually went to school for geology right out of high school. However, I wasn't ready for the responsibility of college at that time, so I dropped out and got a job. A few years later, I went into nursing because it seemed interesting, but, after working as a nurse for a few years, I knew it wasn't for me. So, now I'm back. I love everything about Science. I love being able to figure out how things work and why. I also love learning in general.
What advice do you have for a middle school student who is interested in becoming a scientist?
Science is an incredibly interesting field and I have had so much fun with it. I would recommend it to anyone. If you're interested in becoming a scientist, study hard! Most scientists have to have a good understanding of math. Also, most areas of science require a good understanding of other areas of science. For instance, a geologist should have a good understanding of physics and chemistry. Remember, you never stop learning, no matter how far you've gone in school or how long you've worked in any particular field. There's always something new.
Jamie added this:
I absolutely love geology and science in general, but, as someone who went in the wrong direction at first, I understand that science is not for everyone. So, it's ok if science isn't your thing. The most important thing is that you love what you're doing. If you don't, what's the point in doing it?