Humans of EarthScope

Humans of EarthScope explores the who, what, where, when, why, and how of being an earth scientist. Between 2017-2018, This series profiled researchers who use EarthScope data, putting faces to the personal stories that inspired them.

Why did they choose a career in Earth Science?
How do they see their research fitting into the bigger picture?
What advice do they have for future scientists?

The collective expertise, enthusiasm, and findings of the EarthScope community provide a rich and dynamic resource for enhancing Earth Science education at all levels and within all learning contexts.

Derek Schutt

"I could do geophysics—physics and math—and go outside?! That's the perfect combination."

Rhiannon Vieceli

“I like making interpretations about the earth, which is the common denominator for everyone.”

Emily Hopper

"The stuff we’re researching is fundamental to how the whole planet functions."

Rob Hawman

"I had a friend when I was a PhD student who said how lucky he felt that his career interest was also his hobby. That’s how I feel."

Stephen Hughes

“It's pretty special seeing students have that ‘This is awesome, I want to do this!’ moment.”

Lara Wagner

“What I love about field work is that you end up in some pretty off-the-beaten-path places.”

Laura Webb

"To me, tectonics is fundamentally inseparable from our daily lives."

Patricia Persaud

"I apply a lot of the principles of yoga in my life and my research."

Liz Vanacore

“I love that my job allows me to directly impact people’s lives.”

Rob Porritt

"Your mental scale changes when you learn about geological events from 1.2 billion years ago"

Cynthia Ebinger

“My research has taken me to Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, the Galápagos.”

Vadim Levin

“Field work brings out the thirteen-year-old adventurer in everyone!”

Heather Ford

"I study ancient continental lithosphere, I get to look at rocks that are 3 billion years old!"

Editor/Writer: Beth Grassi | Editor: Wenxiao Guo Tiano | Writers: Sara Tewksbury, Atleigh Forden