Austin Turner
San Antonio, TX
"...scientific exploration has a very necessary counterpart: scientific ommunication."
In 2017, I graduated from Communications Arts High School in San Antonio Texas. Despite my early communications education and love of writing, I found that I wanted to enter into a STEM field simply because my curiosity was most engaged when I was learning about science. I'm currently working towards a degree in geology and chemistry here at the University of Texas, and hope to attend graduate school for geochemistry or climate science after my time in Austin. Eventually, I would like to be a geoscience researcher and communicator.
How I Got Here
When I was younger, I found a ton of enjoyment in exploring the outdoors. Exploring greenbelts, forests, and parks via foot or bike was how I spent a lot of time with some of my best friends, and whenever I went out somewhere with my geologist dad I was sure to get some information about the natural history of the area. Although I started college as an engineering major, I eventually found my way to geology (and chemistry), and I haven't looked back once.
With my background in communications and writing, I've come to realize that scientific exploration has a very necessary counterpart: scientific communication. Bodies of knowledge that enable modern science couldn't exist unless past researchers made an effort to communicate their ideas and findings (the "standing on the shoulders of giants" effect). In addition to this, efforts should be made to communicate geoscience ideas to the general public so that there is a broader recognition of the importance of the field.
The surprising thing is...
Geoscience is a very broad term! Just as the term "life science" shouldn't exclusively evoke images of someone looking at cells under a microscope, geoscience is more than just looking at rocks with a magnifying glass (although this is very fun). Techniques range from artistic rendering to observational writing to computational mathematics, spanning careers of all types. Geologists, hydrologists, climatologists, meteorologists, astronomers, environmental chemists, and many more job titles fall under the umbrella of geoscience. Harnessing other skills and applying them to geoscientific methods is a great way of increasing human relevance and general engagement; think of the generations inspired by paleoart depictions of dinosaurs in motion. If we continue to find meaningful ways to connect with people about geoscience, we can ensure this broad science can reach its full potential!
Lessons
Many people realize that they generally feel better when they go outside than when they hole up indoors. Taking this a step further, understanding how and why the outdoors exists in the various ways it does can lead to a lasting love of environmental exploration. Universities may offer geoscience classes that fulfill one or more requirements that undergraduates have in their degrees, and many of theses classes have components that encourage exploration of the natural world. Enrolling in one of these was one of the best decisions I've made, and I believe others (even those certain they won't pursue a career in geoscience) will benefit greatly from more geoscience exposure.