tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319786799012800176.post7158338605339291486..comments2023-10-13T03:51:03.655-04:00Comments on Magma Cum Laude: Miracle MudJessica Ballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117925212295349320noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319786799012800176.post-79385262971269442872008-10-25T16:49:00.000-04:002008-10-25T16:49:00.000-04:00Tuff Cookie gives sound advice ... also, try e-mai...Tuff Cookie gives sound advice ... also, try e-mailing grad students and ask their opinions ... I got some good feedback when I tried that when looking for a PhD program.BrianRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04930245080333999989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319786799012800176.post-77816224001936995132008-10-25T14:08:00.000-04:002008-10-25T14:08:00.000-04:00Only anecdotal, I know, but I was on a geological ...Only anecdotal, I know, but I was on a geological tour of the Greek islands several years ago. I got an echinoid spine in my finger and the wound went septic and wouldn't clear up. I went to Santorini and took a boat tour to the new volcanic cone (Nea Kameni) rising up from the floor of the old caldera. Part of the trip involved a swimming stop where volcanic springs rose from the sea bed and made the water very warm. The sea bottom comprised thick sticky mud and (being with a group of geologists) a mud fight ensued. Next day, however, my finger had completely healed. The locals claimed healing properties for the mud too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319786799012800176.post-48341502515355967392008-10-25T13:57:00.000-04:002008-10-25T13:57:00.000-04:00Welcome to the blog! As for programs, the best way...Welcome to the blog! As for programs, the best way to get a feel for where you'll fit is to go visit, although I know that's not always possible if you're just starting off. (I'll go through my process of grad school searching for you, though, since I'm not sure what point you're at.)<BR/><BR/>If you're just starting, the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory has a <A HREF="http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Outreach/StudyVolcanoes/UniversitiesColleges/framework.html" REL="nofollow">good list of schools that have programs in volcanology</A>. This doesn't cover all of them, but it's a start. <BR/><BR/>If you're poking around on websites, start looking at what areas of volcanology the faculty specialize in. If you're not interested in a specific thing, see if the classes and research covers a broad range of topics - this means you'll have a lot to choose from. Start emailing professors - tell them about your experience and ask about their work. Most will be happy to talk about it, and to give you their observations about their programs.<BR/><BR/>If you have a chance to go to any professional meetings (especially AGU), talk to the grad school representatives AND find out if anyone you might want to work with is presenting. Go to their talks and introduce yourself, if you have the chance. <BR/><BR/>Once you've established contacts, the next step is to visit. This is the most important part - I was really interested in several programs, but realized that I wouldn't be happy in the departments themselves, for various reasons. Likewise, I ended up going to a place that wasn't necessarily the most appealing in terms of location or the campus, but which has a great program full of smart people that I want to work with. What's most important is who you feel comfortable around, and that means visiting.<BR/><BR/>If you want, I'd be happy to give you my impressions of the schools that I've visited, and a few more that I researched.Jessica Ballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13117925212295349320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319786799012800176.post-55052384033209386422008-10-25T12:40:00.000-04:002008-10-25T12:40:00.000-04:00I'm never going to do a mud mask again without thi...I'm never going to do a mud mask again without thinking about flesh eating bacteria. YES.<BR/>So, I've been lurking about your blog for a bit, but I now have a question worth asking (if you don't mind my asking): when choosing your graduate program, how did you find out which school was the best? They all purport to be fantastic in their field, but how does one actually tell? I'm trying to find a good undergraduate program in geology (specifically: volcanology) so I reckoned you might know what to look for.<BR/>Anyway, thanks for letting me take a minute of your time, and good luck with your program :)Helena Malloneehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15002245476019785194noreply@blogger.com