Undergrads explore geology research paths during summer program

Abigail Manderano and Nini Markhvashvili's summer rocked - literally.

The Binghamton University geology majors both ended up in Texas A&M's Geology & Geophysics Summer School before beginning their senior year, where they explored topics such as earthquakes, volcanoes and marine sediment.

"We had the same classes last year. When I saw her in Texas - a familiar face - I was shocked," recounted Markhvashvili, who is originally from the country Georgia.

Abigail Manderano , a geology major, conducts research during Texas A&M's Geology & Geophysics Summer School the summer before her senior year. Image Credit: Provided photo. They learned about the opportunity - which also included a visit to the Gulf Coast Repository of the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) - through Assistant Professor Adriane Lam, who has participated in IODP expeditions.

The repository houses sediment cores collected from ocean drilling projects around the world, which are used heavily in climate and paleoclimate research - the topic of a class that they're currently taking with Associate Professor of Earth Sciences Molly Patterson.

"It was a very cool experience to look at these cores that store millions of years of Earth's history, revealing secrets about past climates, oceanic conditions and tectonic shifts," Markhvashvili said. "Each core is like a time capsule, containing layers that reflect changes in temperature, sea level and even major extinction events."

Lab and field

Markhvashvili has long been interested in earthquakes and volcanoes; while she originally intended to become a nurse, a class she took in the subject inspired her to switch to geology, she said.

In a Texas field near the College Station campus, her research team used geophones to collect seismic data, which they then took back to the lab for computer analysis. The students also learned about the relationship between earthquakes and volcanic activity in Hawaii, and how such activity is reflected in seismic data.

Manderano, from Rochester, NY, focused on marine geology during her Texas experience, including the relationship between marine sediments, slope stability and underwater landslides. Her team also used software to analyze data and connect it to natural phenomena.

"Submarine landslides aren't very common, but if they do happen, they can threaten infrastructure around the coast," she explained.

The summer program also provided insight into graduate school, including how applications work and what to expect on the research front. Both students are interested in pursuing graduate study, they said.

Fieldwork and lab opportunities are critical for future graduate students, and Manderano is already looking into field camp opportunities for the upcoming summer. Long-term, she hopes to work in the energy sector and research carbon capture and storage, which removes excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the effort to mitigate climate change.

Geology major Nini Markhvashvili attended a six-week geological field camp at University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez. Image Credit: Provided photo. Markhvashvili is considering a career in hydrology, which would allow her to pursue her scientific interests while staying in New York City. Texas wasn't her only research destination last summer; she also attended a six-week geological field camp at the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez.

She traveled throughout the island, mapping out different kinds of rock, from volcanic formations to limestone. One highlight: camping at Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo, where she swam in the ocean at dawn, picked mangoes from the trees and hiked while mapping the area's geology.

"The hikes were not just about rocks; we had a blast chatting and joking around with each other. At night, we'd hang out by the campfire, listen to music, and just enjoy the company," she remembered. "Overall, it was a perfect mix of learning and having fun, and I made some great friends along the way."

In addition to the summer experiences, the academic year also holds opportunities for experiential learning, both in and outside the classroom.

"In geology, no matter where you go, there's something interesting," Manderano said.

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