Steven Jaret
Written by Katrina Otuonye, Edited by Whitney Boshers

Class of:	Spring 2009
Major:	Geology
Hometown:	Atlanta, Georgia
High School:	Druid Hills High School, Atlanta, Georgia

A Georgia native, Steven began his college career at the University of Arizona in Tuscon, Arizona. After his freshman year at UA, Steven decided to transfer to University of Tennessee to take advantage of the recognized quality of the university's undergraduate program in the geological sciences, particularly its noted planetary concentration.  Another factor influencing Steven's decision to transfer was the opportunities available via the Chancellor's Honors Program, which supports its student's passion for independent, faculty-mentored research.

In December of 2007, Steven was honored with a grant from the Southeastern Section of the Geological Society of America to support the research he is currently conducting. His grant will help defray the cost of his project and assist him in presenting his work a second time at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Houston, Texas, in March, 2008. The LPSC is the world's principal forum for the presentation of planetary science research. 

Geology allows for field work, and that field work often takes geology majors all around the world.  Thus far, Steven has enjoyed trips to Rockwood, the Smoky Mountains, and a two-week field trip through New England. 

He emphasizes the importance of learning Geology, and believes that there are classes that “everyone should take,” such as Geographic Information System (GIS) in particular.  GIS involves data and has applications for almost any study – from geology to environmental to climatic studies.  An important feature of the class is the development of a rudimentary knowledge of cartography, including such apparently simple skills as using colors to identify changing topography.

Not surprisingly, Steven plans to pursue a doctorate in planetary geology. In addition to his field work and research with graduate students, Steven enjoys walking around campus, especially by the river, and the company of friends.