Geology Undergraduate
College Park Scholars-Science and Global Change Program
Me at the Palace of Versailles Summer 2025
Hello, my name is Sienna. I am a freshman Geology major at the University of Maryland, taking the professional track. I also plan on minoring in Planetary Science.
I developed an interest in geology at a young age by going outside to collect rocks and trying to answer my questions about what I observed. I am specifically interested in planetary science research of moons and planets (including extrasolar). In the past, I got my first research internship at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) using space telescope data to model the atmosphere of the coldest brown dwarf star and comparing it to Jupiter. I enjoyed the research process and am in the peer-review process as a co-author on my first paper for a different project from my internship.
Since getting onto campus, I have gotten involved in the following:
- UMD Geology Club: attend talks from professional geologists and go on field trips
- Terrapin Trail Club: go on organized hiking, backpacking, climbing, caving, etc. trips
- AstroTerps: attend talks from professional astronomers and other fun activities
- TECP Tutoring: provide virtual one-on-one tutoring for K-12 students
- UMD Community Learning Garden: volunteer to provide produce for the food pantry
- oSTEM: LGBTQIA+ alliance for students interested in STEM careers
I plan on continuing to take advantage of opportunities at the university and through the Science and Global Change program by contributing to faculty research, joining clubs, excelling in class, and forming connections.
SGC Gallery and On-Line Projects:
- Philadelphia Trip Excursion
- Activity two - coming soon
- Activity three - coming soon
External Links:
Nature Guide: Rocks and Minerals: The World in Your Hands
Saturn's Moon Enceladus
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)