2021 environmental science and geology scholarship recipients

Every year, the Department of Environmental Science and Geology awards scholarships to students at various points in their academic journey. Two of these recipients, Julia Jackonen and Thomas Cisney, reached out to offer a few words on why they are grateful:

Thomas Cisney

Thomas Cisney is a current Geology major set to graduate in early 2022 and an "adventurous mineral collector with a penchant for seeking the unknown". The recipient of the Dr. Robert B. "Doc" Furlong Memorial Annual Scholarship, Cisney is pursuing a career in the field of geographic information systems (GIS).

"Learning how the Earth works is invaluable to me not only for environmental justice, but it is also just great fun!"

Julia Jackonen

Julia Jackonen is another geology major looking forward to graduating early in 2022 and the recipient of the Michigan Mineralogical Society John Zawiskie Scholarship. Although she has yet to decide what direction the wind will take her, she's excited to graduate and explore her options.

"Looking back over the years, Wayne State's geology program has been an adventure all its own. My knowledge and networking skills in the geology realm have evolved immensely from when I first started. I am happy to have experience as a GIS Intern, AIPG Wayne State Chapter's Secretary, and have traveled to such wonderful places with wonderful people. I look forward to my next steps forward as my final two semesters come to a close."

The department would also like to acknowledge Kelsey Hewett, Mary Nelson, and Gwendolyn Drake, the recipients of the David J. Lowrie Endowed Scholarship; and Gwendolyn Drake and Denada Planaj, who both received the Dr. Robert B. "Doc" Furlong Memorial Annual Scholarship alongside Thomas Cisney.