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2014 Graduate Profiles Emily Nield ’09, Honours B.Sc., Physics and Geography, Kleinburg, ON
Emily Nield is intensely interested in the world around her – as far out as sand dunes on Mars. Her love of planetary science is taking her farther than many could imagine, and Trent University is helping Emily to reach her lofty career goals. Emily entered Trent with an average exceeding 90%, continuing her stellar academic performance throughout her degree. She is appreciative of the professors at Trent that made her education unique -- particularly Dr. Peter Dawson and Dr. Cheryl McKenna Neumann. “I always received insightful comments to help me improve and prepare me to become a planetary scientist,” recalled Emily. “This connection with my professors has allowed me to network and to secure myself a spot in graduate school.” Emily’s ambition is to join the scientific team for future missions with the Mars Rover, which would allow her to be on the frontier of planetary exploration. “My Trent degree will help me to achieve this goal because I received the interdisciplinary education in Physics and Geography necessary for research in planetary science,” she said. In Emily’s final year of study, she combined these subjects in a joint thesis studying the mechanics of sand movement in the Trent Environmental Wind Tunnel. The opportunity to complete hands-on research while working closely with professors in both Geography and Physics was crucial to her success. “It was amazing to be able to produce my own research and learn how to present it to the scientific community,” said Emily. “I had the best of both worlds and my education has prepared me to best Earth scientist that I can be.” While at Trent, Emily also developed her communication and leadership skills while participating in the Peter Gzowski College Cabinet, Introductory Seminar Week (ISW), and the Trent University Undergraduate Geography Society (TUGS). She was also instrumental in reviving the Physics Club. Emily will be working towards a Master’s degree in Geology at the University of Tennessee, studying Planetary Science with particular focus on researching dunes on Mars and their origin, and plans to continue on to a Ph.D. Regarding the galactic career in front of her, Emily said, “I am ecstatic to begin this next chapter of my life.” Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:
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