Back into Academia!

In mid to late June I got a phone call from the University of Alaska Fairbanks asking if I would be interested in working on a project that was purely seismology since I applied for volcano seismology. I said yes! Well what else could I say? So here I am in Fairbanks where it has already snowed and its not even October yet, working on a Masters of Science in seismology.

So far the classes have been agreeable and the people amazing. I am currently taking math pre reqs for math pre reqs for Geodynamics. Along with global tectonics, a seminar in geophysics and one in petroleum geology. I am also working on some research as well! Over all a very good semester so far!

I am working on data collected from a temp seismic network in the north of Alaska. I am currently working on the S-wave splitting data, and looking at the mantle flow direction. Next I will be working on receiver functions and looking at how much of the Yuktat Terrane is actually subducted. Interested stuff! This is not my thesis project but a project that needs to be published on and is using the same tools my thesis project will.

Overall I am enjoying this trip back into Academia! I don't think I was ready for the real world. I have my own desk, a computer, a phone and keys to the building. That I feel is the biggest plus to being a grad student. I can come in and work when I want to and not rely on the campus police or other people to let me into the building.