Brian Zimmer
Rochester, New York
Major: Geology, History
As a child, Brian Zimmer roamed woodland trails and streams, gathering interesting rocks, then breaking them open to peer inside.
Brian has decided to major in geology and couldn’t be happier. “I knew I wanted to work in the natural sciences, and geology seemed like the purest science in nature,” he says. (Plus he gets to look inside bigger rocks.)
“Our professors take a personal interest in each student,” he says. “You can always see them during office hours, whether it’s to talk about homework, an upcoming test, or just shoot the breeze about a recent hunting or fishing trip.”
Geology department field trips include excursions to geologic formations within a few hours drive of Allegheny, in New York and Pennsylvania, and longer trips to places such as Sapelo Island, Georgia, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
“The geology department may be small, but it’s strong,” says Brian. “And because it’s small, we have many opportunities to work individually with professors on research projects.” Brian is currently researching Appalachian paleoflow data with Dr. Ron Cole. For his Senior Project, Brian plans to conduct summer research in either the Adirondacks, the Black Hills in South Dakota or perhaps Alaska.
“Your research options are limited only by your imagination and desire for adventure,” he says.
