20 Scott Meier on Lake Ngami, Botswana during a sampling expedition in 2012. Scott Meier is a second year master’s student working under the advising of Dr. Eliot Atekwana. He completed his undergraduate degree in Geology at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR. He is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys fishing and mountain biking. His academic and career passions include the hydrogeology and the research of water resources in geologic systems. In Scott’s immediate goals he aims to work as a professional geologist regarding both issues of water quality and the petroleum industry. His future goals are to pursue a Ph.D. in geology and to do work benefiting human impact studies as well as international water development projects. Scott’s current research involves the analysis of the chemical and physical properties of the newly formed Lake Ngami in northwest Botswana. The purpose of this study is to identify and model major processes that affect the chemistry during the filling of a closed basin lake in a semiarid environment. Scot has recently submitted his thesis for publication to the Journal of Hydrology. Scott has published 4 abstracts and made presentations of his work at both the 2012 and 2013 GSA national conventions in Charlotte, NC and Denver, CO. Scott has also given poster presentations of his work at the 2013 AAPG student expo in Houston, TX and the 2013 AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco, CA. Scott is a member of AAPG, AGU, GSA, AIPG, and the Oklahoma State University Geological Society (OSUGS). When not working on his thesis, Scott enjoys running, fishing and canoeing. UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT HIGHLIGHT LANDON LOCKHART By Dr. Estella Atekwana Landon Lockhart (see picture of Landon at the back of the newsletter) is currently an Honor’s student (Junior) in BPSoG with a Geophysics emphasis. He comes from Dallas, TX and is a Texan in every stretch of the imagination. When asked why he chose to major in Geology, Landon indicates that before applying to OSU, he had never previously taken a single course in geology. Furthermore, he had no idea what the job of a geophysicist might entail. However, he has always had an inclination toward the sciences and mathematics, which made him to seriously consider engineering. However, Landon’s brother who is also a geologist had a big influence in his life and played a big role in Landon choosing geology as a major. Like with many other geologists he got hooked after taking Physical Geology with Dr. Tracy Quan. He states” As I furiously began researching other fields, geology certainly began to appeal to me. Once I found myself in my first geology course during freshman year, I was absolutely convinced that I had made the right decision”. Landon intends to earn a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and possibly a Ph.D. in geophysics and eventually use his skills as a geophysicist in the oil and gas industry. He hopes to join a growing number of people addressing the global energy challenges of the future by delivering fuel to those who want and need it in the most environmentally friendly manner. When asked what his most memorable experience is in the BPSoG, he responds, “My most memorable experience occurred last summer when I accompanied Professor Estella Atekwana and a few graduate students to Sub-Saharan Africa for a research project. I spent my entire summer as somewhat of a nomad, rarely spending more than two consecutive nights in a single hotel as our group traveled between numerous countries investigating the features of rift initiation. This incredible international experience introduced me to scientific research and exposed me to entirely new cultures, food, and people as we travelled across Malawi, Zambia and Botswana. More importantly, it broadened my understanding of my area of study and introduced entirely new fields of geophysics”. Landon indicates that he is thankful to the many dedicated faculty in the BPSoG and for the way they have impacted his life. He hopes to be able to give back to OSU and to society in a similar manner. When not studying, which is rarely, Landon enjoys reading, tennis, running, hanging out with friends and family, spending time outdoors, and church. Landon is a member of AAPG, SEG, Stillwater K-Life (a youth ministry focused on teaching, shaping, and discipling today’s teenagers). Landon’s many honors include: Arts and Sciences’ Student Spotlight, General Honors Award (fall of 2013), President’s Honor Roll (spring of 2013), Dean’s Honor Roll (fall of: 2011, 2012, 2013; spring of: 2012), Devon Energy Corporation Scholarship (2013, 2014 OSU), Skinner Scholarship (2013, OSU), Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society (2012), and Eagle Scout (2010). Please see picture of Landon at the back of the newsletter training Staff at the geological Survey of Malawi on how to use a GPS. STUDENT CLUBS American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) AAPG members helping local cub scouts earn their geology activity badges. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Oklahoma State University Student Chapter is an organization that provides students with opportunities for leadership, education, outreach, and networking. This year, AAPG hosted a series of fundraising events, including the annual golf tournament, in order to fund students attending the AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition. In addition to organizing Petra and Petrel training courses, a spring break trip across the western US, a graduate/undergraduate mentorship program, numerous guest lectures from industry professionals, and the first annual 5K Rock Run, AAPG also helped local cub scouts earn their geology activity badges. Oklahoma State University Geological Society (OSUGS) OSUGS executive committee with Triple Junction Function guest speaker, Dr. Gary Rice.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAxMjk=