Hess making moves in earth science

Growing up on a farm in Gridley, Amelia Hess knew very early in life she had an interest in science.
Hess, an earth science graduate student, is one of two winners nationally to receive the 2005 Association for Women Geoscientist Chrysalis Scholarship. The scholarship is $2000. She will be recognized at the Annual Geological Society of America Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah in the fall.
"I was shocked when I received the news about winning. "It is nice to know that someone acknowledges your work and that your work is worthwhile," Hess said. "Someday somebody will be able to benefit from the research work I am doing. It is a great feeling to know that people are interested in seeing my research complete."
Hess began her educational journey at Emporia State University in the 1990s. She received her bachelor's degree from ESU in physical science in 2001.
For the past two semesters Hess has been working diligently with ESU earth science assistant professor, Dr. Marcia Schulmeister on a research project entitled, A New, Direct-Push Based Approach for On-Site Assessment of Redox Condition in Contaminated Aquifers.
The National Ground Water Research and Educational Foundation recently awarded Hess a $250 scholarship in recognition of her student poster presentation of A New, Direct-Push Based Approach for On-Site Assessment of Redox Condition in Contaminated Aquifers, at the National Ground Water Summit Conference in San Antonio, Tex.
The poster was judged as one of the best student poster presentations.
"The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) is the premier professional society for ground-water specialists. Recognition of Amelia's research by this group provides excellent visibility for ESU's new program emphasis in hydrogeology, enhances our opportunities for collaboration in teaching and research, and will help us to attract graduate students," Schulmeister said. "Amelia's recognition by this group provides even greater visibility for ESU, as it will reach a broader audience than the NGWA recognition will. I am very excited for Amelia, and thrilled about the notoriety her winning these awards brings to our program."
Hess was also awarded the ESU Harold Durst Graduate Research Award. She received the $1144 scholarship based on her research work and poster presentation.
"Based on my 30-plus years of experience with graduate students, I consider Amelia to be among the top 20 percent on the basis of "maturity" with the discipline, independence of judgment and work ethic," said Dewayne Backhus, professor and chair of the department of physical sciences.
She credits her success to Schulmeister and Backhus. "Dr. Schulmeister has been very instrumental in my research," Hess said. "Dr. Backhus was my undergraduate advisor and has been very supportive of me. Both professors have been great mentors."
Upon completing graduate school Hess plans to gain employment as a hydrogeologist at a federal or state agency.
"I have been impressed by the work ethic, intelligence, and determination to finish a degree that Amelia has consistently demonstrated. Based on her performance in thesis work and as my research assistant, I believe that she is very capable of attaining her goal," Schulmeister said.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>