Jim Speer

Jim Speer

Where are you from? What university are you attending or have attended?

Indiana State University

What have you studied in science or are currently studying?

I am a professor of geography and geology. I earned a BS and MS in Geosciences from the University of Arizona and a PhD in Geography at the University of Tennessee. I am a dendrochronologists (study tree rings) and a Biogeographer (study the distribution of plants, animals, and insects).

Do you have any ideas on what a middle school student could do in Science right now?

There is a large movement of citizen science where citizens can help with research projects online. Check out this website for some science that you can participate in today from your own computers https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/.

What or who inspired you to get into Science in the first place? What do you like about Science?

My mother inspired me to get into science. She was a housewife for most of my childhood, but she had studied for a masters degree in biology but was not able to complete it because of her family commitments. My mother was always fascinated by the natural world and her interest in the world around her motivated me to study science.

What advice do you have for a middle school student who is interested in becoming a scientist?

Study hard and keep the enjoyment of discovery at all times. The more that you learn the more you can understand and contribute. Be curious and ask a lot of questions.

Free form

There are new frontiers in science so don't think that all of the answers are in the textbooks. We are just starting to explore the bottom of the oceans and space. We have only cataloged a small percentage of the organisms that live on the face of the earth. We really don't know most of the insects, bacteria, and viruses that populate this world with us and we have yet to discover life on other planets. There is so much out there to discover. Become a scientist and start your quest for knowledge.