Katra Andreini Wedeking (BS Geology, 1998)

I came to Alaska to be a ski bum, but fell in love with the state, learned how to snowboard, and couldn't leave - not even to go to graduate school (couldn't leave the slopes, you know). I worked as a lift attendant during the winters (free ski pass!), as a cook at a local restaurant (free food!), and as a substitute teacher (don't have to work on a powder day!).

Anyway, got tired of the seasonal work and got a real job in 2003 at Shannon & Wilson, Inc. We are an environmental and geotechnical engineering firm and have 8 or 10 offices all over the country. I work as a geologist at the Anchorage office, but live about 45 minutes away in Girdwood - home of Alyeska Ski Resort and fellow alum, Kyle Kelley ('99)! The work is good, as far as a job goes, some field time, some office time, great opportunities to see the state, awesome people to work for, and very flexible hours. I work 4 days a week and get to be home with my kids 3 days a week, it's perfect.

I met a fellow ski bum, Matt Wedeking, who turned out to be a pretty great guy (and an awesome telemark skier), married him in 2003, and we have 2 incredible boys, Mikah (4 yrs old) and Brodie (1 yr old). They keep us hopping, Mikah can almost beat me down the mountain on his itty-bitty telemark skis and I'm sure we'll have Brodie out on the slopes this year (after he can walk a little better)!

My years with CWU Geology bring back the best memories EVER! - I smile every time I think of them. The field trips were the best, especially the Spring Break ones. Nick Zentner was pivotal in my passion for geology - if he hadn't let me go on that trip to the Grand Canyon (withOUT having the Geo 101 prereq), who knows what path I'd be on? I am forever grateful and I love it that he's putting together the alum page. Thanks, Nick!