GEOS Spotlight April 2024: Keya Hopwood

With the 2023-2024 academic year coming close to an end, we're excited to spotlight GEOS senior KeyaHopwood. Keya is pursuing a B.S. degree in geoscience with a concentration in geology, along with a minor in physics and certificates in sustainability and GIS. They've been active on campus, completing internships and doing research all while in their undergraduate program. Check out our Q&A with Keya below to learn more about their experiences in the department and what they're looking to do next!

Where are you from originally?

I am originally from Namibia in southern Africa. I grew up in the capital city, Windhoek, and moved here three years ago on a student visa to attend Georgia State! My mother is Namibian, and my father is British, so I was lucky to grow up around so many different cultures!

Where did you go to school before coming to GSU?

I attended Windhoek International School in Namibia for high school and graduated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in 2019.

What year in school are you?

I’m coming to the end of my fourth year at GSU. For my first two years here, I was actually a Physics (concentration in Astronomy) major!

What’s your major/concentration?

I’ll graduate with a B.S. in Geosciences, concentration in Geology! I have also completed a Physics minor. I am currently pursuing the Sustainability and GIS certificates as well.

Which class has been your favorite to take in the Department of Geosciences?

My favorite class so far was Principles of Paleontology with Dr. V. Every week, we learned about fossilization processes and life during different geologic eras. Then, we got to look at and learn about so many different fossil specimens in the lab! I also loved that we took a fossil collecting day trip in northwest Georgia and worked on fossil shell and National Park research.

What is your favorite thing about being a GEOS major at GSU?

My favorite thing is how friendly everyone in the department is! It has been lovely getting to know my classmates and professors better. Even though I didn’t start off as a Geosciences major, I’ve still managed to build solid friendships with my classmates. I also think that all the professors in the department are really keen on helping students and connecting them with opportunities, which is just amazing. I don’t think there is a better department at GSU!

What are you working on or researching right now?

Since the Fall, I have held two part-time positions. For the last 2.5 years, I have been working as a Resident Assistant for Georgia State Housing. Being an RA involves many different tasks to meet the needs of residents in GSU Housing, including managing a floor of residents, working desk shifts, and creating events for residents. Overall, being an RA is about building community on the GSU campus.

Last Fall, I interned with the Captain Planet Foundation. While there, I created climate education content for global youth activists who are making positive changes in their countries.

This semester, I have been working on paleoecology research with Dr. V and some classmates from the Principles of Paleontology class last Fall. We are studying samples of mollusk shells from northern Florida to understand more about marine communities from the Plio-Pleistocene, and the extinction pulses that affected them. I presented our preliminary findings at the GSU STEM Conference last semester. Now, I am planning on presenting at GSURC, SEGSA (Southeast Geological Society of America Conference), and NAPC (North American Paleontological Conference). So, it is definitely a busy semester for me!

Over the upcoming summer, I will participate in a research experience with Dr. Hidalgo to study the Chief Joseph Dike Swarm in Oregon. I am looking forward to it!

What are you planning to do after GSU? How do you think your GEOS degree at GSU has prepared you for that?

I am still not sure! I definitely want to pursue a master’s degree, but I may want to go more into planetary geology or paleontology. I would likely complete this degree in Europe.

I may decide to work for a year or two before my next degree. I would be interested in work where I would be able to travel or go in the field on occasion. Unfortunately, I can’t pursue work in the USGS, EPA, or the National Parks as a non-US citizen, but I would be interested in similar positions! Right now, I am still focused on completing my education. Since I’ll need to return to Namibia after this degree, I am still brainstorming where I would like to work! I am open to any opportunities that come my way!

I think that GEOS classes are so in-depth that as long as you have a good background, you can really pursue whatever you would like!