Admissions

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.

Naomi Dolan
Naomi Dolan

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. 

Zach Jalley
Zach Jalley

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.

Claire Paulson
Claire Paulson

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.

 

Emily Spaete
Emily Spaete

Curriculum Concentration: Geology Science & Letters
Bio & Career Goals: Emily is pursuing a Geology major (Science and Letters), an Integrative Biology minor, and an Undergraduate Certificate in Museum Studies. Emily's current research and senior thesis is with Dr. Max Christie on the deterioration of coal balls due to pyrite disease. She plans to earn a master's degree and eventually a PhD. When not in class, Emily is a volunteer for the REACT program and looking forward to the next time she can excavate trilobites, brachiopods, and bryozoans in Ohio.