GSA Connects 2022

Reflection

This year I was lucky enough to attend the national Geological Society of America conference in Denver, Colorado, where I presented my undergraduate research project studying carbonate structures within the Mississippian Bangor Limestone Formation. The whole experience was eye-opening, and well worth the time and effort it took to get there. Presenting my own research on a national level was initially a daunting task, especially considering this was my first real forte into the research process. After the first day of the conference, our entire group of undergraduate students expressed a mutual feeling of what is commonly referred to as “imposter syndrome”. Being surrounded by so many intelligent and accomplished geologists made us feel as though we didn’t belong, especially considering we were in the minority as undergraduate students. This feeling persisted in each of us, until we actually presented our research. With each interaction and answered question, our self confidence increased, and our own self-delusion of not belonging was gradually erased from our minds. The most common comment on my project was that my samples were “weird”, which was oddly reassuring considering the anomalous nature of the rocks I examined. 

The conference did much more than just boost my confidence, it also provided me with a rare opportunity to explore and plan my future in the field. The conference hosted probably the best collection of geoscience graduate school programs in the nation, each with their own booth and representatives. I learned more about the opportunities available to me after graduation than any other graduate school fair I’ve ever attended. I talked to over 20 different graduate schools while at the conference, and came out of the experience with a list of about a half-dozen master’s programs I’m now seriously considering, as well as a long list of professors to contact. Admittedly, my plans for the future before this conference were largely unclear. I had always planned on getting a job after graduation, and worrying about grad school later.  After this conference I now feel as though I have a real path to achieving a Master’s degree and eventually a Doctorate. In short, this opportunity was absolutely invaluable as an undergraduate student, and I believe that all students would be greatly served by this experience.