Hear What Our Current Geological Sciences Students Are Saying About This Program

Ava is an undergraduate student majoring in Biology, Geological Sciences, and Math in the The Mahurin Honors College at WKU who grew up exploring and hiking caves and trails in Mammoth Cave National Park. As a Crawford Mahurin Cave Research Fellow in the Crawford Hydrology Lab, her interests focus on the intersection of geology and biology. She plans to complete her Mahurin Honors College capstone thesis project through the Crawford Hydrology Lab studying waterborne contaminants in South Central Kentucky. 

Sydney Anderson is a sophomore in Geological Sciences. She is a student researcher at the Landscape Geodynamic (LeGo) Lab. Her work will be curating rock or minerals resources of the vast collection in our program. Sydney is planning to organize, label, photograph, and create a database for these geological resources, which is attractive and interesting. She is expecting to gain hands-on knowledge and looking forward to the possible option to collaborate in the WKU Kentucky Museum.

Clay Kilgore is majoring in Geological Sciences and Chemistry. He is a student researcher at the Stratamax Lab. His aim is to receive his master’s and doctorate degrees in geosciences before pursuing a career in academia or industry. Clay is one of the recipients of 2022 WKU FUSE grant to pursue his research titled Geochemical analysis of an unknown volcanic ash-layer found at a fossil site of early humans in Afar, Ethiopia. He presented this research at national conferences and at the WKU Research Conference.

"Coming to college undecided about my major and my future was pretty scary at first, but after taking a geology class all of that changed. Studying geology and ESGS has brought me so many opportunities I never would have imagined possible. I’ve gotten to study abroad in Hawaii and reach my goals in the classroom thanks to the amazing and supportive professors in the Geology & ESGS Programs. Because of these programs, students can expand their understanding of the Earth, join clubs, and get involved with research projects around the world. Choosing to study geology and ESGS here at WKU has been one of the best decisions of my life and I’m so excited to see what the future holds!"

"Being a Geology major in the Geological Sciences Program at WKU is an action that I will never regret. Immediately after joining this program, I was welcomed with open arms and a plethora of options for further education in paid research studies. The faculty and staff do an excellent job of immersing students in their passion for the studies of the Earth and giving us the tools that we need to explore our studies and lead us to our futures. Take my advice and take your knowledge to the next level with the Geological Sciences Program. Go Tops!" 

"At WKU, my time in the geology program has truly changed my life. I never thought I would find a place that I feel like I truly fit in at. The amount of opportunities this program offers you is incredible, and the professors push you to be your greatest. They are always striving to get you involved whether it be clubs, study abroad programs, research opportunities, etc. The classes I have taken are exciting and have thoroughly advanced my knowledge as a geology student! Only being here for a short time thus far, I can proudly say I have found new passions within geology and love being a Top!"

"While I have been at WKU, my experience in geology has been nothing short of fantastic. I never find myself trying to find things to do, but rather, I always find myself stuck choosing between many amazing opportunities. I have been able to take classes that foster knowledge and critical thinking, engage in fascinating research opportunities, and participate in clubs that revolve around fun with geology. While doing these things, I have always been impressed with the community atmosphere. I always enjoy my time with professors, graduate students, and fellow geology majors. Geology rocks!"