Emily Melvin

More on my academic concentrations: I am a BS Geology major (Geology Track) and am also majoring in American Studies.

I didn’t stumble upon the geology department: I have always enjoyed the outdoors and knew that I wanted to get a science degree. In high school, I decided that I wanted to study geology and began looking for colleges with strong geology departments. I knew that I wanted a small college and Lafayette was recommended to me. When I came for a tour of the school I met Dr. Germanoski, the head of the geology department, and he convinced me to come to Lafayette.

What I like about the geology department: My favorite aspect of the geology department is the faculty. The faculty really care about the students and make a point to give us hands-on learning experiences. I think these opportunities in the field enhance our learning and prepare us for work after college.

My favorite geo class so far: Geol 215 (Modern and Ancient Depositional Environments). Professor Sunderlin always came to class excited to teach us, and I enjoyed our labs. Many of our labs were outdoors, visiting local outcrops. We also went on an overnight camping trip to upstate NY. We visited a local museum and had the opportunity to look for fossils.

A geologic topic of particular interest to me: I am interested in learning more about the geology behind natural disasters and how to better prepare ourselves for when they strike.

The coolest geologic place I’ve been: Hawaii.

I’ve taken a geology interim course and am doing a semester abroad  as well: I went on the geology interim trip to Hawaii (Geol 150: Geologic Evolution of the Hawaiian Islands). We traveled to Maui, Oahu, and the big Island of Hawaii. Some of our activities included visiting Volcanoes National Park, hiking Haleakala, snorkeling, attending a luau, and visiting the Arizona Memorial. In Spring 2011, I will be studying abroad in New Zealand as part of the Frontiers Abroad Program. The first five weeks of this program is a field camp throughout the northern and southern islands of New Zealand. After the field camp ends, I will be studying at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch.

What I’ve done over my summers: I have spent the past four summers working at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. It is a living history museum on Long Island. I give tours of the historic homes in the village.

Outside the classroom: I am a Resident Advisor, a Library Ambassador, a CORe representative, and the co-president of Lafayette’s Food Appreciation Troupe (L-FAT).

My hobbies: I enjoy traveling, going to the beach, and going to amusement parks. I love to bake and eat. I also like swimming, biking, and other outdoors activities.

My post-graduate plans: Through Lafayette, I have had the opportunity to travel all over the world. After I graduate, I want to continue traveling and visit more countries. I am thinking of applying to teach English abroad.