Through the eyes of a geologist

I originally began blogging when I undertook the Leicester Award for Social Networking and now I can’t seem to stop. I blogged about this topic a few months ago… Something which has certainly sparked my interest since it was announced in October 2014, was the launch of  100 Great Geosites  spanning the UK and Ireland by the  Geological Society . As a keen field geologist, I am excited to hear that there is finally an interactive map to find sites of geological importance on your doorstep. Categories vary from economic perspectives such as mines, to spectacular structures and extinct super-volcanoes all within a drivable distance. The launch of the Geosites will be incredibly educational to all ages and backgrounds. It is important to learn about your geological surroundings and to understand events of the past to truly appreciate the unknowns of the future such as earthquakes and volcanoes which can be applied to a global scale. These sites also encompass other aspe...

As term-time is approaching, more and more MGeol students are appearing around the department eager to get ahead of the game. An MGeol project is a compulsory research module where students are fully responsible to complete independently and is worked on alongside the usual studies and commitments that comes with an academic year. When entering my third year of studies and the shortlist of projects were published, there wasn’t a project that took my fancy. Speaking to previous fourth-year students, they advised to pick a project that I knew I would enjoy. If I loved what I was doing, I’d be happier putting all my time and effort into the project and it being successful. The only thing I was certain about, was that I wanted to undertake fieldwork as part of my project as that aspect of geology is my favourite. That’s when I started emailing lecturers, speaking to professionals in industry and asking for their advice. Little did I know, I would be collecting my data whilst I was stu...

Now it may sound cliché, but you are about to embark on the best 3 or 4 years of your life so far. First years… I am majorly jealous of you. I’d love to be starting university again. The friends you’re going to make during Freshers and your induction fortnight within Geology, really do set you up for the rest of your degree, so get out there and make the most of it. Freshers fortnight only happens once a year so go wild. I’d urge you to attend all the information sessions that have been put on for you, anyway, the weekend is for sleeping! Most people spend the fortnight sleep deprived, you most likely will end up with Freshers flu, but it’s worth it for the fun you’re going to have. When I first turned up into halls, there was a girl in my flat arguing with her mum loudly. I honestly thought to myself, I hope I’m not living with her! She’s now my best friend!! (I love you Grace!) Don’t judge a book by its cover and remember you’re all in the same boat, embrace the good and bad tim...