Some thoughts from Dr. Leon E. Long on being a geologist

Are you thinking about being a geologist, or trying to figure out what a geologist does? Dr. Leon E. Long, a member of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers at The University of Texas at Austin, co-teaches the Jackson School's main undergraduate introductory course, Geology 303: Introduction to Geology, and serves as the undergraduate faculty advisor for the Department of Geological Sciences. As adviser, he has for many years talked with students who are curious to know more about the subject. His enthusiasm for his job is evident and his love of geology tremendous and heartfelt.

Students who visit with Dr. Long can expect to be asked some of these questions:

1. Can you handle this difficult technical subject?
2. Do you mind working on a scientific problem for which only fragmentary evidence is available?
3. Do you think you would enjoy doing what a geologist does for years and years?

Having advised, mentored, and taught thousands of students, we asked for some of his observations on being a scientist, a geology student, and a geologist.

On Being a Scientist:
Dr. Long will tell you that there are two kinds of science, and two kinds of scientists: analytical and synthetic. Acting analytically, a scientist isolates a small piece of nature and does experiments on it, repeating them over and over in “real time.” Geologists are predominantly synthetic, acting more like detectives, assembling pieces of evidence from everywhere -- a contrasting style of approach. Geologists combine their knowledge of geology with calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology to “synthesize the whole system.”

On Being a Geology Student:
Having the right personality match is just as important to being a geologist as handling the required technical subjects. Geology students “are very idealistic.” They “enjoy helping each other and sharing in great camaraderie.” They are “discovering themselves.”

On Being a Geologist:
“As a geologist you can do just about anything with your career in combinations pleasing to you, such as working outdoors or indoors, with computers, writing, doing lab work, field work, detailed or large-scale research.”

“Geologists and geology students alike enjoy an incredible variety of experiences combined with great adventure…and risk. They are nuts about travel, seeing as much of this earth as they can!”