As a graduate student in the M.I. program I hope to focus my research on geologic hazards, particularly those related to volcanic landscapes. I am keenly interested in how humans interact with the environment and the influence that one has on the other. In pursuing this field of research I hope to explore some of the mysteries associated with natural disasters and eventually contribute to mitigation and education efforts.
This program will prepare me to do so through one year of academic work at Michigan Technological University, two years of Peace Corps service - during which time I will research and begin writing my masters thesis - then back to Michigan Tech. for one more semester to complete and defend my thesis.
During this initial year my studies include Volcanology, Natural Hazards, Geohydrology, Geophysics, Intercultural Communications and Spanish among others.
With a focus on volcanic hazards I hope that my Peace Corps service will take me somewhere in Central or South America. That region of the world has an abundance of active volcanoes as well as a population that is growing larger and closer to these volcanoes. Of course, I'm willing to go just about anyplace where a volcanic landscape is found.