How do hands-on experiences translate into skills in the workforce? On this episode of the Art of Subduction, we hear from GeoFORCE alum Jennifer Peña and her journey in both pursuing and working in the geosciences! Hear about her GeoFORCE experience, and how her experiences have helped shape her career.
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Transcript
iously, because, you know, parents.
They were just kind of waiting for that at the end of orientation slide to say, okay, well now it's cost this much and this much and this much to do the trips. But they were very happy when it did not say that, so that was great. Um, and then doing it all throughout four years was pretty wonderful.
Discovering a Passion for Geology
[00:01:44] Jennifer Peña: I will say I did not initially get into GeoForce because I was in love with rocks.
I was more so in love with the idea of having these new experiences, you know, meeting these new people, especially people outside of my hometown. And then it just so happened that doing it, I fell in love with geology a little bit. And after our 11th grade trip, which is for Geo4s, for people who don't know, is the trip that we go to the Pacific Northwest and we go to places like Mount Hood, Crater Lake.
Being there, I realized, okay, well, I can do geology. Like, it's interesting. It's more than just these beautiful places, you know, there is science behind it and there's reasoning behind it. And so that kind of interested me. And then our twelfth grade trip, my year was the first year they brought us to Austin, and the first year they started doing, like, the Austin trip as the twelfth grade trip, and so it really kind of solidified that I was going to apply to UT after being here.
I realized, okay, well, I'll do that. I'll do geology at UT, I'll apply, let's see what happens. And then I was fortunate enough to get in, and so then I did my Bachelor's in Geoscience here at UT. It was pretty, pretty fun. Pretty good time.
[00:03:01] Diya Gaur: Wow. That's amazing. Actually, yeah, I can relate to that a lot, myself, as like, you know, I went on these GeoForce trips, and now I actually want to pursue a major in Geology, so to hear that from you, like, as someone who shares that experience, like, super inspiring, that's really cool.
Yeah,
[00:03:17] Jennifer Peña: it's, it's insane. And I don't think I would have, if I were to talk to my ninth grade self, she would not say, oh you're doing geology and you did this and you did that, you're working for GeoForce, like none of that, none of that would have even like come to my mind. But after all these experiences, I don't know, GeoForce just hooked me in a little bit.
True,
[00:03:38] Diya Gaur: true.
Studying Geosciences at UT
[00:03:38] Diya Gaur: So, I mean, how would you describe your overall experience, like, studying at UT and the geosciences there?
[00:03:45] Jennifer Peña: Studying at UT was really incredible because it allowed me to do so many things within the realm of geology. I will say whenever I did come into it, I kind of came into it with the base, Of, okay, I'm gonna do geology, I'm gonna go to oil and gas, and that's my life.
Like, that is what's gonna happen, and that's how I'm gonna make money, and that's how I'm gonna, like, progress. Because that's kind of all I knew, and at the time, GeoForce was more so interested in showing that aspect of it, because that was a lot of our donor base. And so, that's really kind of most of what I knew about geology.
And then coming to the Jackson School, I realized there's so much more, and there's so many more possibilities. Like, I didn't even know about hydrogeology or anything like that until I got here, and I saw that people were majoring in that, and people were making their whole lives around things of that sort.
So, eventually, I mean, I'm not a geologist right now, I did not choose to pursue that path 100%, Um, but I will say it is largely because of the Jackson School that I am now where I am today, which is doing kind of science communication and outreach, because at the Jackson School, there are courses like Geoethics, where they talk about, like, ethical issues in geology, and how just the modern, everyday person sees geology and faces it.
And then there's a broader impacts course. Which then has you pick certain scientific topics that are currently kind of in the forefront of everyone's mind or maybe not so out there, but people who study those sciences do deal with it on a day to day basis. So it's stuff like, oh, how is field camp run for geologists?
Which, I love field camp, it's great, but it also is really expensive. So we kind of talked about stuff like that. And so I will say, like, being at the Jackson School allowed me to learn all these different facets of what geosciences can be, as well as, you know, like what we taught you guys on the 12th grade, so there's like, there's doing Python and doing coding, there is analyzing cores, paleontology, all this realm of things that I probably would not have known if it were not for the Jackson School and GeoForce together.
[00:06:10] Diya Gaur: Right. Okay, that's so cool. I love to hear it. So, I mean, you mentioned so many different courses, like Geoethics, but which one was your favorite?
The Broader Impacts Course
[00:06:18] Diya Gaur: Ooh, easily the Broader Impacts course.
[00:06:21] Jennifer Peña: Easily. Okay. So, um, I had a professor, his name is Adam Papendiek, at the Jackson School, and he is a science writer at the Jackson School and led a course on broader impacts.
Now, I will say I was taking this during COVID, and so it was a little bit skewed just because we couldn't see each other face to face all the time. But even then, it still impacted me so much because it was the first time I took a science based course. Because it's also a course in the Jackson School.
Like, it is a fully Jackson School run course. But it was the first time I took one that did not prioritize science. the science necessarily, and more so prioritized, okay, what is happening to people? How are they being affected? How is what you're learning going to really change the lives of people afterwards?
Importance of Science Communication
[00:07:14] Jennifer Peña: And so that's when it kind of clicked to me where, which is what I've told you guys and what I tell, um, all of our students, is at the end of the day, we love that you know the science and we love that you're interested. But if you cannot share that with people, then what really is the point? You know, like, if you are hoarding all of this grand information and all of this science to yourselves, then really what is the point of having that knowledge?
You have to be able to talk about it and connect it to people and make them kind of Make them, one, know how it's going to affect them, so they know how to decide what to do next, and two, make them interested. Because, I mean, I can talk about rocks all day, but if I don't make it sound fun, and if I'm just, I'm just talking about rocks like this, and low, and Then nobody's gonna nobody's gonna care, really, at the end of the day.
So, that course really did help me out with Realizing that that is what I wanted to do.
[00:08:17] Diya Gaur: Right. And like, it's also so important that we know how geosciences work because we live on the earth and we should know about where we're living. So yeah, really important to know about that, especially like for younger people as well.
Encouraging Gen Z to Study Geology
[00:08:31] Diya Gaur: We're both Gen Z, correct? Yeah, cuz, yes, yes, yes, we are both Gen
[00:08:39] Speaker 3: Z.
[00:08:40] Diya Gaur: Okay, so, in that sense, I'm just saying like, um, for younger Gen Z, like, people who are around my age, like, in high school, like, a lot of kids don't know what they want to do, actually, and so, the fact that GeoForce is, like, exposing kids early on is super important, and then it just gives them a deeper understanding of Exactly where they are in the world, like, you know, all this different type of stuff, like, how the sciences affect our day to day lives.
So that's really an important part of what you are doing, and GeoForce, and so I find that super cool.
[00:09:14] Jennifer Peña: No, that is so true, like, there is so many people that I've met now at the Jackson School PhD, And I talk about geoforce and all the things and they go, Oh, I didn't even know about geology until my junior year of college because I took a random geology class because I needed a science and then I realized I loved it.
And it just goes to show kind of how impactful geology can be because it has all these connections. Because you can be doing physics, you can be doing chemistry, you can be doing biology, math, all of these things do impact geology and can connect in different ways, it's just depending on what you like, so if you like to code, you can do geology, if you like to work with plants and animals and the environment, you can do geology.
If you like to work with people instead and kind of help them out, you can do geology, it just, we don't show young people that enough, I don't think.
[00:10:16] Diya Gaur: Right, you actually answered my next question, I was going to ask you why should Gen Zers study geology, but you answered it perfectly.
[00:10:25] Speaker 3: Also,
[00:10:25] Jennifer Peña: I would also say that it is a good way to kind of, well of course, everyone loves the outdoors, go hike, go outside, you know, get connected with nature.
But also, then you can realize, like, hey, maybe, maybe I did like Python, but I wanted to be outside more, or I wanted to actually, or I have this small inkling of liking biology, but I don't really know how to do that. Geology can make those kind of connections and make it seem a little seamless. And it's just really great.
Also, join GeoForce, guys.
[00:10:59] Diya Gaur: True, true. And also, like, that's what we got to do in the 12th grade program as well, where we did our research projects. So we have, like, a lot of different research mentors, and so we really just dove into what we were interested in. So, for example, I was in the Kiesling lab, and we were studying ice sheets.
And what we did, which was super cool, is learn how to code in Python. So, for me, I thought that was super cool because, you know, I've had experience in coding, but it's not been that intensive where I've been able to actually make things and make my code go somewhere, but I learned so much from the program in just that one week I spent in GeoForce this summer, and And I, you know, really excelled, like, I thought that was an environment which I thrived in, and so, that's kind of just fueled my passion for the geosciences, and even more of a reason why I want to pursue it, like, in college as well.
[00:11:53] Jennifer Peña: No, that is, that is so great, Diya, oh my gosh. No, I, so, even before the summer, um, a little bit about kind of my geo, like, geoforce things, so after I did undergrad in geology, I then, uh, like my junior year, senior year, I realized Hey, I love geology, but geology is not for me. I want to do science communication and outreach.
But I was on a full scholarship, so I did not feel like I should restart my degree term. So I just kind of finished off my geology degree, then did environmental consulting for a bit, and then came and worked here. I have started working here with GeoForce. Um, and last summer I ran the 12th grade along with Jasmine, which was very fun, and then this whole year leading up to it.
So we know which trips we're leading kind of. in about September or October. So it's been since September or October that I know I had been, I knew that I had been, was going to do this with Mitchell and Eleanor. And all throughout this time I was telling them, guys, the 12th grade is so good, the 12th grade is so good.
And, honestly, they were a little skeptical, because, I mean, the 10th grade you go out to Arizona, the 11th grade you go out to the Pacific Northwest, like, the 12th grade, you stay at UT, there's a lot of kids, how can it be, how can it be so good? And I was like, guys, trust me, it's my favorite. And it continues to be my favorite, even after the summer.
And it's because of moments like that, that you guys finally get to choose what you want to do throughout the week. Excited about that work while you're doing it because I know obviously, obviously the 10th grade is really fun because you go and get to go to the Grand Canyon and you get to go, um, to, now they go to Antelope Canyon and they do Zion and it's great and then obviously Pacific Northwest, we've already talked about it, like they're just great trips overall, but a lot of the times, Some kids are not very interested in the geology that's going on around there, are just more interested in, hey, it's a good trip, it's a fun time, I'm getting to know these people, and I'm making these connections.
Which is good, and I feel like it's necessary for then the 12th grade to happen. So you already know how to make these connections, and you already sometimes have these connections with these people that you're working with. But finally, you guys have the autonomy to choose what you're doing. And to choose something that interests you.
So every Every time we start off the 12th grade, we do ask y'all, like, hey, give me three things, give me your top three choices for your projects, so that we know at least you'll like what you're doing, and so you have more reason to go all out and to learn these things. And it's really great because then at the end you guys present at the symposium and it's amazing and I get to like obviously not listening to all them because I'm running around all the time but I'm stopping I'm making my little stops looking at posters and going okay good job guys and then running around but it's really nice to see y'all really excel at the end because I know it's nervous it's nerve wracking like crazy but it is really nice to see that you've All finally had the chance to do what you wanted to do, and then really got some tangible skills at the end of it.
And so that's why I still, even after, like after this summer, I was like, okay guys, so, again, the 12th grade is the best out of all the trips, I'm just letting you know. So yeah,
[00:15:32] Diya Gaur: for sure. And like, I think even if you're not going into the geosciences, it's like super rewarding to just be there and kind of experience like, Oh, how do you make a research poster?
Like, you know, there's so many different skills you can get from it. Like how I learned Python, that can be like, so good for anyone, like, you don't necessarily have to go specifically into the geosciences to learn Python or know how to use it. So it's like really teaching you those life skills that are super important to use later in life.
And, you know, things like coding, it's becoming more and more, like, prevalent, like, in today's world, so it's really important skills that we should and need to know. Exactly. So, I did have a question, and it's, how did you make that switch from being a geologist, like, going on that track, to being an outreach coordinator for GeoForce?
Transitioning to Science Outreach
[00:16:19] Diya Gaur: Like, what initially fueled that?
[00:16:21] Jennifer Peña: Ooh, okay. So, it was Alright, so when I went to college, my sophomore and junior year were COVID, and so it was all online. And that is prime time when geology students are doing field courses, so they're going out into the field, they're mapping, they're really learning what it is to be a geologist.
And I remember, um, my sophomore course, it was, uh, field methods? course. And we made it like halfway through the course before, you know, COVID shut everything down during spring break and all the things. At that point, I realized I wasn't that sad that I was not going on these field trips and all that and doing all of that.
And I just thought, okay. Then as I continued progressing, I started taking, I just realized that I started taking more kind of ethics courses, environmental science courses, courses that dealt with the human interaction with geology and how people learn about it. And I just kind of just slowly started making that progression.
Then when I graduated, I mean, I had a BS in geology and I knew I didn't want to go straight into my master's. I wanted to take a little, a little time to myself to kind of realize what I wanted to do next. I can solidify that before I jumped into something. So I did environmental consulting for a little bit, and that was great.
I learned a lot of things. I got to do so many papers and so many site inspections and collect data from wells and collect soil samples, all that stuff, and it was great. And when I would talk to some of my coworkers, they were so interested in it and they loved it. And I realized I was not talking about it the same way, at all.
I was kind of more so talking about it in a way of, Oh, I guess I have to do this, and I guess I have to do that. And then, I will say, I did have one site that I really loved, and it was a site in Dallas. That worked with providing free mental health checks, regular health checks, to underserved women and children in the Dallas area.
So you would say, well, what did my random environmental consulting group and team have to do with them? Well, we were just testing the water near one of their wells, cause So that they could build on it and all of that. But I was not at all concerned with that. I was more so concerned with what was going on at the clinic and how they were helping people.
And at this point, I kind of realized, like, yes, I do want to do outreach. And I do want to do communications. And I want to connect it to science. But I want to know more about what's going on. And so, actually, maybe Leah will actually hear this. In November, before I got this job. I have an email saved in my draft that I never actually sent to Dr.
Leah Turner, the program director of GeoForce. Basically asking, saying, hey, I'm a GeoForce alumni, I really love the program, I was involved at UT, and I'd really like it if I could work at GeoForce. I don't know if any jobs are opening, but that would be very cool. Is basically what the email was saying, in more professional terms, because obviously, Dr.
Leah Turner, I'm not gonna tell her, oh, it would be really cool, I had to word it really nicely, and then I just never sent that email, because I, I guess I was too chicken at the time, um, and, but then it just so happened that in January, uh, a position opened up, and I immediately applied.
The Role of GeoForce in Shaping Careers
[00:20:18] Jennifer Peña: I was like, this is it, this is what I want to do, and so I applied, I got in, so eight months after I had moved from Austin to live in Dallas, I then moved back to Austin to come and do GeoForce.
And so since then, I've been working here and I have just loved it. Um, I've loved all different aspects of the job, from the pre planning, so that's kind of getting. All the logistical stuff ready for you guys before you even come in. Like the hotels, the buses, the food, all the park P waivers that we're gonna have to do for all the parks we go to.
Making sure, timing wise, it all makes sense and there wasn't any crazy times from last year. If we add something, making sure that works. So doing all of that, and then what I was really excited about beforehand, so when I first got in, um, was doing the symposium. I was so thrilled about that. And so these past two years I've worked And done a large part of the symposium, and I, I just love that.
I love all of that. Just because it is a big event, but it also is a big event that is around you guys. And it's kind of centering y'all, and showing y'all as the stars of the week. Especially after your long week that you've been having. Like, it's finally your, yeah, it's finally your time to go, hey, like, here we are, here it is.
And it's this culminating event that is just so incredible. So being able to work on it and kind of plan for all of that. And then also, I will say earlier, I did say about running around, I kind of love the running around. It makes the time go by a lot quicker. The fact that I'm going from here to there, making sure everyone's set up, everyone's good.
Um, and then what surprised me actually after my first summer was how much I really did love the coordination of it all during the week. Cause I knew, I knew I was gonna kinda like it just cause I had been, um, a PLA in the past, so that's for the Math and Science Institute, uh, they are peer learning assistants.
So they're kind of tutors but also counselors for the rising, um, the rising college freshmen that are going to places like UT in the fall. So I had been a PLA, I had been a counselor for a 12th grade beforehand. And so I knew I liked that, like, working on the summers and working throughout the academies.
Um, but I just didn't know how much I was going to love the actual coordination of it all, and being able to be kind of that point person for both all the staff and for the students, and coming out of that first summer, I I loved it. And then now, throughout the year, my job is transition to college and career coordinator, and honestly, it keeps me alive.
It keeps me alive during the fall, because I know around here, we do do a lot, because we're planning the hotels, we're planning the buses, but it can get a little dull, especially since you're not seeing the students, and you're kind of working towards this goal that you know is going to happen at the end, but you don't have, like, any connection with the students beforehand.
And so doing the transition to college and career is really nice, because then I get to see y'all as alumni and really, now really connect and really talk to y'all one on one. Um, and ask, okay, like, what do you want from us? Do you want internships in geoscience, in environmental consulting, in, Computer science and engineering, like what are y'all needing from us so that we can help you and so we can make the program better for y'all afterwards.
And then just seeing y'all go do great things and do great internships and do great research afterwards and then coming back and talking to me about it, it's incredible. I love, I love all that. So I, I really do love this job and love all the different angles of it and different sides of it, whether it be.
In the fall, so like, right now, I am gearing up for the start of the school year for UT students. We already have, like, all of the fall semester GeoForce Longhorns meetings set up. I'm already gonna send out those things. I already have, actually, which you're going to see an email about later, um, a college applications and college, like, workshop for the 12th graders to kind of a last minute thing of, hey, I'll One, don't forget to apply early if you need to, cause it always helps, but also like, hey, if you need help with your essays, it's not too late, you can ask these people if you need, like, don't forget about the G4 scholarships and stuff like that.
So creating those events that really help you guys during the year, both in your lead up to college and then in college. Are really fun for me.
[00:25:14] Diya Gaur: Right, right. That's amazing, yeah. Actually, now, I kind of want to go into GeoForce, like, again, and be a counselor for, you know, all of the new students. Just because, like, my experience with you guys has been just so amazing and great.
I think it's, like, so good, like, just keep on the, like, keep the legacy going, because Your voice has been changing the outlook of people's lives since 2008, right? 2005. Oh, okay, well, three years
[00:25:41] Jennifer Peña: off, but, yeah, 2005 is even better. Actually, since 2005 for Southwest, since 2008 for Houston. So you were, you were pretty, you were good for your area, like, You didn't get
[00:25:54] Diya Gaur: that year out of nowhere.
Okay, guys, I'm glad that I still remember at least that much. Yeah.