This week's spotlight is Stephanie White, a PhD candidate in the department of geosciences!
What interested you to pursue a career in STEM?
My lifelong love of nature and the outdoors is ultimately what drew me to pursue a graduate degree in geosciences, but it wasn't necessarily a straightforward path. When I was younger, I was always fascinated by science, but I never felt drawn to pursue a career in any of the more traditional fields. When I was eighteen and, admittedly, struggling to decide on my undergraduate major, I had a chance encounter with a paleontologist while on a family trip. I asked him about his work, and my mind was opened to the realm of possibilities that came with a degree in geology. I remember feeling incredibly excited after this interaction, and from there on, I knew I had found the right path.
How would you describe your work to the public?
At its very core, my work, as well as that of other geologists, centers on unraveling Earth's past from the oldest known historical record: rocks. As cliche as it may sound, rocks possess a breadth of information dating back billions of years prior to written history, and they provide the basis for much of our knowledge surrounding Earth's formation as well as the universe beyond. My work in particular focuses on investigating an ice age that occurred roughly 300 million years ago so we can better understand how large-scale climate shifts impacted ancient environments. Some of my methods for investigating this include analyzing the chemistry of rock samples, utilizing models, and examining samples from the microscopic to outcrop scale.
Outside of the lab, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, and I am also a competitive equestrian in the discipline of three-day eventing. When I'm not outside, I like to read non-fiction books and create art. I also enjoy spending time with my pets which I lovingly refer to as my "miniature zoo".
Is there something during your research career that you have really enjoyed or want to share?
My favorite part of conducting research as a geologist is the field component. For my work, I spend a lot of time traveling to incredibly remote places where I can find the best rock outcrops. I've gotten to see some really awe-inspiring locations and landscapes that many people will never know exist because of how far removed they are from civilization. I feel really fortunate that I get to hike, camp, and explore these portions of wilderness while learning more about them through my research.
If you can give a piece of advice to the younger generation, what would it be?
If you're interested in research, it's never too early to start! Finding a professor to develop a relationship with as a research advisor can have so many benefits. Not only will it give you a chance to include undergraduate research on your resume, but having a professor that can advocate for and guide you either in searching for a job or navigating graduate school applications post-graduation can be greatly beneficial.
Is there a female scientist that particularly inspires you?
Dr. Isabel Montañez
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