Graduate / Statement of Purpose - MSc of Geology [2]

My fascination with volcanoes started when I was a young child, when I saw a video of one erupting on television. My parents encouraged the interest by enrolling me in schools with programs geared towards mathematics and sciences. During my courses at college, I found that I had an aptitude for geochemistry and decided that I could combine my interest in volcanoes with geochemistry.

I graduated from the University of Maryland at College Park, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology with a citation in Astronomy. After graduation, I decided to take a break from my education and get some work experience. For two years, I worked for Dewberry and Davis as a map specialist for the FEMA Map Assistance Center. Even though I did not deal with my field of interest, I did get some experience with flood plain management and hydrology. During this time, I also attended classes part time at Northern Virginia Community College where I took classes in surveying and computer aid design (CAD). Currently, I work for EMSL Analytical, Inc., an environmental laboratory, as an asbestos and lead analyst. As an asbestos analyst, I am trained on and use Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). For lead, I am trained to do analyses using Flame Atomic Absorption.

My ultimate academic goal would be to earn my Ph.D., but by first enrolling for a master's program will allow me to develop skills and gain knowledge where I might be lacking. I am interested in doing petrological and geochemical analyses to help define the evolution and present state of a magmatic system. I was thinking of analyzing complex volcanic systems, but have not fully decided yet.