Forrest doing field work in Costa Rica
The final GEOS spotlight before the start of a new academic year shines on Forrest Dabbs, who will be graduating this week with her M.S. degree in geosciences with a concentration in geology. Forrest has been a staple of the GEOS community for several years since joining the department as a postbaccalaurate student transitioning out of a career in the fashion industry. In her time at GSU, Forrest has been recognized with the Ogren Memorial Scholarship for outstanding service to the department in 2022, as well as being honored as the outstanding geology graduate student in 2024. Learn more about Forrest's GEOS journey in our Q&A with her below!
Where are you from originally?
I’m originally from Long Beach, California, but moved to Watkinsville, Georgia in 8th grade.
Where did you go to school before coming to GSU?
I graduated from University of Georgia in 2016 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and an emphasis in product development.
How long have you been a student at GSU?
I started my postbaccalaureate at GSU in fall 2019 and began the GEOS master’s program the spring 2022.
What’s your major/concentration?
My major is Geosciences with a Geology concentration. I have also completed my Graduate certificate in GIS.
Which class has been your favorite to take in the Department of Geosciences?
My favorite class is Advanced Field Camp, but I also really enjoyed Digital Cartography with Dr. Shelton.
What is your favorite thing about being a GEOS major at GSU?
My favorite thing about being a GEOS major are the research opportunities which have allowed me to collaborate with researchers from all over the US and Central America. These projects gave me the space to challenge myself.
Tell us a bit about what you researched during your time in the department...
Last month I successfully defended my thesis research on the geochemical evolution of the Irazú Volcano in Costa Rica which incorporated weeks of field work in Costa Rica and hands-on lab experiences with Middlebury College in Vermont.
I’ve also worked on remote sensing projects in Costa Rica using INSAR to analyze ground deformation around the Miravalles Volcano, and with the USGS EDMAP program to publish modern geologic map and report on the Southern Chamblee quadrangle in North Atlanta.
You also worked as a teaching assistant while in the graduate program. How was that experience?
I loved working with students as a TA. I’ve TA’ed for introductory geology, mineralogy, petrology, basic and advanced field camp, and sedimentology and stratigraphy. My favorite part of teaching is watching students grow their interest and I know I’m partial to this, but I get so excited when I hear about students pursuing research.
What are you planning to do after GSU and how do you think your GEOS degree has prepared you for that?
I will be applying to work outside of academia…for now. I am pursing two pathways, one being geochemical, and the other is geologic mapping/remote sensing. My ultimate goal is to use my research and field experience to work with the US Geologic Survey.
