While their peers were working summer jobs, vacationing with family, or just taking a break, Jennifer Rothfuss '08, Danny Flanagan '07, and Nicholas Fischietto '07 were conducting field research in Alaska with geology professor Ron Cole '87.
The students, with support from the Professor Louis Jefferson Long Student-Faculty Research Fund, conducted extensive research on the tectonic evolution of southern Alaska. The research, examining how tectonic processes shaped the geology, landscape, and mineral resources there, involved studies of past volcanism, faulting, and sedimentation in the area between Anchorage and Denali National Park. The research is an outgrowth of Professor Cole's long-term program in Alaska, which he established in 1994.
Each student addressed a different component of the project and will be completing his own independent analyses. In fact, Jennifer, Danny, and Nicholas presented their findings at the National Geological Society of America Conference in Philadelphia.
Danny, a geology major with a Spanish minor, believes the experience will have a significant impact on his future. "After Allegheny, I plan to pursue a master's degree and possibly a Ph.D. I will be a much more attractive candidate for graduate schools because I have undergraduate research experience and I will have professional publication and presentation experience," he explains.
Professor Cole adds that it is quite unusual for students to be able to present their research so soon after it was conducted.
"Normally there are a number of hurdles to jump over before coming to the stage where they can present at such an important conference," he says. "This is a testament to the hard work and academic capabilities of these students."
The Professor Louis Jefferson Long Student-Faculty Research Fund was established by Harry W. Shepard, Class of 1942, and his wife, Patricia. The fund memorializes Dr. Jeff Long, a professor of economics at Allegheny from 1935 to 1951 and treasurer of the College during his last decade of service. The fund supports collaborative student-faculty research in all disciplines.
"There are no words that would sufficiently convey my gratitude to the donors of the Professor Louis Jefferson Long Student-Faculty Research Fund," says Danny Flanagan. "One of the primary reasons that I decided to attend Allegheny College was the opportunity to conduct research as an undergraduate. The donors of this fund have turned that opportunity into a reality and have allowed me to participate in an experience that few undergraduates encounter."
