February 13, 2024
A senior at Shawnee State University, Layne Williams is dual-majoring in Geology and Biology with a minor in Zoology. Growing up in Flatwoods, Kentucky, Williams has always loved bugs, reptiles, plants, and animals. Being outside in nature and learning how and why things work is what led her to pursue multiple degrees.
“Going into environmental sciences like Geology and Biology serves as a great opportunity to travel the world and experience different cultures, landscapes, and careers, all while getting paid to do so,” Williams said.
Choosing to stay local at SSU, Williams has found the hands-on experience in her courses to be the best way to prepare for her future career. She’s been able to take part in several field excursions including a trip to Denver for the Geological Society of America conference, a field trip to the Smoky Mountains for Geology, and a tip to the Cincinnati Zoo as part of Zoology.
In her research, she has been grateful for the impact her instructors, Dr. Erik Larson, Dr. Kurt Shoemaker, and Dr. Sarah Ivers, who have made the task of learning enjoyable through their knowledge and skills of explanations.
While considering graduate school in her future, Williams has travel and experience at the top of her career to-do list. Listening to the stories of other professionals has only increased her desire to experience the field herself.
“Geology has a vast number of possibilities and job openings due to the number of older professionals retiring,” she said.
Programs within the SSU Department of Natural Sciences offer students a range of hands-on experiences with state-of-the-art scientific instruments, one-of-a-kind field opportunities, and low student-to-faculty ratios, allowing students to create a strong bond with their professors throughout their degree program.
To learn more about degrees with the Natural Sciences department at Shawnee State University, visit shawnee.edu/science.