Josh Kelley (BS Environmental Geology, 2008)

After graduation my wife (Kendra), son (Tristan), and I moved to Pullman, WA so I could go to graduate school at Washington State University. We are renting a house outside of Pullman which has been really nice even though we spend more money on gas. Kendra found a job working for the University as an office assistant and Tristan is enjoying his last year at daycare/preschool.

I received a teaching assistantship from my department (School of Earth and Environmental Sciences) teaching Geology 101 Labs three times a week. It takes up a lot of time, but it is definitely worth it and I really enjoy teaching. I have started kicking around the idea of teaching professionally when I am done with school, but have made no definite decision.

I recently started working with Dr. Kent Keller - a hydrogeologist and Ellensburg native - on my thesis research. I am using N and O isotopes to decipher nitrogen cycle processes in dryland agricultural environments. I am really enjoying my classes and field work so far, even though it is getting really cold.

Other then that, everything else is going good. I miss living in Ellensburg and all of the outdoor activities that are in the area. I am so glad that I chose Central for my undergraduate degree - and I look forward to visiting the area in the future.