Trevor Contreras on the Skyline Trail at Mt. Rainier.
Where are you from? What university are you attending or have attended?
I'm from Oregon, attended the University of Oregon for my higher education.
What have you studied in science or are currently studying?
I've studied the geology of Washington State and applied this knowledge to helping people better understand the effects of earthquakes and landslides. Currently I'm applying my understanding of glacial geology to mapping landslides in Pierce County. In the past I helped foresters better understand landslides near logging operations. Prior to that I used gadgets to figure out what locations are prone to strong shaking during earthquakes or where to find good sources of groundwater for drinking water sources.
Do you have any ideas on what a middle school student could do in Science right now?
Start reading the landscape around them...asking questions and finding answers about why the land is shaped the way it is. Why are rivers where they are? What geologic processes have happened where I live that have formed the landscape? It's so much fun to image what happened in the past at your school or home, then think about what might happen in the future!
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What or who inspired you to get into Science in the first place? What do you like about Science?
I love to measure things...I always have. I also love using gadgets to measure things. Now I use various computer images to measure the changes in the surface of the Earth. Sometimes I use fancy gadgets to image what's underground too.
What advice do you have for a middle school student who is interested in becoming a scientist?
Find something that you're fascinated with and go for it. Don't worry about the obstacles in your way...money, learning styles, self doubt or how you might apply it for a career. Follow your interests and you'll find a way to be a productive scientist.
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