Jenna Adams (BS in Geology, 2015)

I came to CWU as a post-baccalaureate in 2013 and graduated with my BS in Geology in 2015. I'm extremely happy I chose CWU for my post-baccalaureate as the program is rich with opportunities to get involved in research, get experience being a teaching assistant as an undergraduate, get funding to disseminate your research at big conferences, and network with other researchers around the country. I quickly began an honors research thesis when I arrived at CWU with a top-notch advisor and that experience ultimately prepared me for graduate school and to become a researcher.

Post graduation from CWU, I was accepted to graduate school where I currently reside as a PhD student at the University of California Santa Barbara. I specialize in geochemistry, igneous petrology, and magma dynamics. More specifically, my research focuses on using thermodynamic modeling and analytical techniques to understand the heterogeneity of mantle source regions beneath hot spot volcanoes (e.g., Hawaii) and how that heterogeneity is manifested in the geochemistry of ocean island lavas.

I love what I do and I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for the great professors at CWU as well as the excellent guidance from my research advisor in the department!