This month we're excited to feature Stephen Wegmann, a master's student in the Department of Geosciences who came right out of our undergraduate concentration in environmental geosciences, and out of Perimeter College before that.
Where are you from originally?
Miami, Florida.
Where did you go to school before coming to GSU?
Before attending on the Atlanta campus, I was a two-year student at Perimeter College.
How long have you been a student at GSU?
I am in my final semester to complete my masters, and while I have been at GSU for quite a few years, I really only started full-time at the Atlanta campus in 2019.
What’s your concentration?
I am in the Geosciences master's program concentrating in geography.
Which class has been your favorite to take in the Department of Geosciences?
I really enjoyed the Natural Environments of Georgia course co-taught by Dr. Meyer and Dr. Chapman. It is an interdisciplinary course focused on both the geology and biology of Georgia’s environmental regions and features regular field trips across the state throughout the semester! It was very engaging and a lot of fun.
What are you working with or researching about right now?
Over the summer break, as part of the William M. Lapenta NOAA Internship Program, I worked as an intern in Silver Spring, Maryland at the Weather Program Office. I developed an ArcGIS StoryMap based upon the current findings from four major social and behavioral science projects related to hurricanes.
Reading papers and reports, reviewing conference notes, presentations, and videos, I went about finding a way to make the science compelling for a broad audience, from the public to major stakeholders. This was an interesting task, as I found that one cornerstone of science is communication: to create change, connecting these discoveries with individuals in a way that will interest them and urge them to act is imperative.
Despite being in Maryland, the internship was largely virtual as COVID-19 still has a large number of government personnel working remotely. However, being in a new city gave me some time to explore the sights of nearby Washington D.C. as well as meet with the other program interns.
Currently I am working as a graduate assistant researcher with Dr. Dajun Dai on a project focused on radon – this is important research with great outreach and impact for minority communities in the Atlanta area. The focus of my work is the performance of radon tests, communications, and community outreach.
What are you planning to do after GSU? We know you are graduating soon… Are you planning to stay in academia, or are you already applying for jobs outside academia?
As I am graduating at the end of Fall 2022, I am looking at job opportunities in both the private and public sectors. I hope to find a job that allows me to mesh a scientific mindset with communication skills such as writing and presenting so that findings are given maximum value.
If currently applying for jobs, what type of jobs are you interested in? How do you think your GEOS degree at GSU has prepared you for that?
I am interested in jobs that involve writing and communications, with a focus on environmental science and sustainability; as far as the work, I am open to anything really! I am also interested in GIS, so any work involving mapping is a plus.
I feel my time in the Geosciences Department has been invaluable: from the professors I’ve met and worked with, to the students that I’ve exchanged ideas and advice with, everyone has been truly determined to help advance the department and those in it, whether that be by recommending courses to writing recommendations and sharing career advice and job leads. The most important advice I’ve learned: If you are not sure how to proceed, ask someone, anyone. Undoubtably, they have been in a similar position, or they can point you in the right direction.