The Geology Ambassadors present the department to prospective students, alumni, and guests. They also promote Geology at campus events. If you would like to meet with an ambassador, email geology@illinois.edu.
Curriculum Concentration: Science and Letters
Bio & Career Goals: Naomi Dolan transferred to UIUC in 2023 after receiving her Associate of Science degree at Danville Area Community College. She is double majoring in Geology and Communication with plans to pursue a career in Community Outreach and Education. Along with being a Geology Ambassador, Naomi currently serves as the 2024-2025 President of GeoClub. Outside of Geology, she is a member of the University and Campus Bands, playing the tenor saxophone, as well as an active member of Collegiate 4-H.
Curriculum Concentration:
Bio & Career Goals: Zach is a junior in Geology whose hometown is the city of Decatur, located in Central Illinois. He is currently planning to move onward to a master’s degree in pursuit of a career in the field of water resource management and is working as a part of Professor Tom Johnson’s lab. Some things Zach enjoys in his free time are hiking, Seattle Mariners baseball, collecting soda bottles, and a game series revolving around a jolly, pink puffball named Kirby.
Curriculum Concentration: Specialized Geology
Bio & Career Goals: Avery Melrose is from Bloomington, Illinois. She is pursuing a Geology major (Specialized Curriculum), an Earth, Society, & Environment minor, and an Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Sciences. Avery's current research is with Dr. Craig Lundstrom studying the geochemistry of the Bushveld Igenous Complex in South Africa, as well as with Dr. Max Christie on the deterioration of coal balls. She plans to earn a master's degree and become a field geologist in the future. On campus, Avery is in Women's Glee Club and on the exec board for Illini Barbell, so she loves to sing and powerlift.
Curriculum Concentration: Earth Science Teaching
Bio & Career Goals: Claire Paulson is a junior in Geology specializing in Earth Science Teaching, and she is also pursuing a Secondary Education minor and a biology endorsement. She is from Orland Park, Illinois, and is a current member of the Marching Illini on trumpet and a member of GeoClub. After graduation, she plans to earn her teaching licensure and work as a high school earth science and biology teacher in Illinois.
Curriculum Concentration: Geophysics
Bio & Career Goals: Dominik is an undergraduate Geology major who is interested in Planetary Geology and Volcanology. He enjoys spending his time listening to indie-rock and being outdoors! Dominik is also the Treasurer of GeoClub and loves having a great time with everyone at the hikes. Ultimately, Dominik aims to one day be a researcher in the field and hopefully an astronaut! Feel free to reach out if you have any similar interests or goals!