The final GEOS spotlight of 2024 shines on Sophia Karpoev, an undergraduate major in the department concentrating in urban studies. Sophia has been active in and beyond the department, from a summer internship to multiple research and outreach positions on campus. Learn more about Sophia's experience in the Department of Geosciences at our Q&A below!
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Atlanta!
Where did you go to school before coming to GSU?
I attended high school at Northview High School.
What year in school are you?
I’m currently a junior!
What’s your major/concentration?
My major is Geoscience with a concentration in Urban Studies.
Which class has been your favorite to take in the Department of Geosciences?
My favorite class thus far has definitely been Urban Environments with Dr. Iwaniec. It is the perfect class for anyone interested in working in a city environment. It details the unique circumstances of a city, and how a built environment can impact local ecology. For my major and concentration, it is the perfect course. I also really admire the courses focus on environmental justice, which provides an important framework on who is most as risk to bear the brunt of poor environmental protection.
What is your favorite thing about being a GEOS major at GSU?
The best part of being a Geoscience major at Georgia State University is the community which can be found within the program. In my experience, everyone I’ve met, from admin to fellow students, has worked to promote everyone’s success. There’s a focus on giving each student tailored opportunities to help them gain experience which will help them with their futures. In my case, for example, I was personally reached out to by Dr. V, because she happened to notice that I would qualify for the Sustainability Initiative. I hadn’t even considered this possibility, but after she contacted me, I applied and was accepted. After my time being a fellow, I was even offered to become a program coordinator! This has allowed me to gain so much experience which I am eternally grateful for, and will help me in my future career endeavors.
Tell us a bit about what you’ve been working on while you’ve been here at GSU...
I’ve been given a lot of amazing opportunities while at GSU! For one, I spent my summer interning at the Savannah River Site. This gave me so much experience working in the field, taking and analyzing samples, as well as doing research work. I also made so many connections during my time at SRS.
I’m also involved in a couple of GSU affiliated projects - firstly the EPIC project lab, through the Krog Codex. This is a study of the graffiti throughout the city, which is so interesting and has allowed me to learn so much about the artistic subculture in Atlanta while conducting research. I’m also currently working as a coordinator for the Sustainability Fellowship Program, which is an administrative role ensuring the continued running of the SFP. All of these has enabled me to develop a broad portfolio of experiences which will help me in the future.
What are you planning to do after GSU and how do you think your GEOS degree has prepared you for that?
I have a lot of interests, but I think my primary goal is the receive a master's in Water Sciences, and then use it to work either as a researcher, or for the Department of Watershed Management. I do think thus far that my time at GSU has really prepared me for the future, giving me a multi-pronged understanding of the more scientific parts of the field, as well a broad understanding of the more administrative duties required to ensure environmental protection.