Maegen Rochner
Where are you from? What university are you attending or have attended?
I am originally from Indiana, but I am currently attending the University of Tennessee-Knoxville for my PhD in Geography.
What have you studied in science or are currently studying?
I have two bachelor's degrees: one in Geology and another in English/Writing. In geology, I studied natural hazards, hydrology, soils, petrology, and mineralogy. My undergraduate thesis was on the origin of a glacial sand deposit in southern Indiana. My undergraduate thesis in English was on the use of E-books for future literacy education.
I have a Master's of Science from the University of Tennessee, where I studied (and continue to study) Geography. I specialized in Physical Geography and Dendrochronology (or tree-ring science). For my master's thesis, I reconstructed debris slides in Great Smoky Mountains National Park using methods in dendrochronology (specifically, dendrogeomorphology).
I am currently pursuing my PhD in Physical Geography with concentrations in dendrochronology and "Climate and Environmental Change." My dissertation research combines methods in dendroecology and dendroclimatology to look at the impact of late Holocene climate change on high-elevation whitebark pine ecosystems in the Beartooth Mountains of Wyoming.
Do you have any ideas on what a middle school student could do in Science right now?
Dendrochronology is a very accessible science for middle school students. A tree-ring based project, using already collected cross sections (or if you have access to increment borers, samples collected by the student) would be great for a class project or a science fair project.
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What or who inspired you to get into Science in the first place? What do you like about Science?
I have always loved science and knew early that I wanted to be a scientist. As a young child, I was always outside, collecting rocks, leaves, sea shells, etc. and I loved being in nature. Like most children however, I dreamed of being many things: an archaeologist, a vet, a paleontologist, and many more. All of these fields however, are science!
My first inspiration was my 6th grade teacher, Mr. C, who inspired me to follow my dreams and gave me confidence in my ability to become something important. I also credit my 9th grade biology/oceanography teacher for truly inspiring me to follow a career in science.
And of course, Bill Nye the Science Guy!
What advice do you have for a middle school student who is interested in becoming a scientist?
Read, learn about the world around you, and do not be afraid to follow your dreams. Never sell yourself short or feel that you are not good enough to be something great or to make big change in the world.
Get involved! Be in the science fair! Talk to science teachers about their experiences and take more science classes.
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