campus directory

Katie Downey

Program of Emphasis: Geology

Hometown: Warren, PA

High School: Warren Area High School

Why I chose to attend Juniata: One of the major reasons why I chose Juniata College was because of the small community. There was a chance to get to know people on an individual level. There seems to be better communication that way as well as assistance from professors when help is needed. I have been offered opportunities such as research that I may not have gotten at larger colleges. And overall, everyone I have met at Juniata, whether they are students, staff, or faculty, has been incredibly generous and supportive to me. This support makes me want to be generous in return.

Clubs and Organizations: Member of SCUBA Club, JC Big Brothers and Sisters, Laughing Bush, Andrew Lawson Geological Society President of Andrew Lawson Geological Society

Research Participation: I worked for Ryan Mathur studying the Pebble porphyry deposit in Alaska. The research allowed me to work hands-on with samples collected from Alaska. We analyzed the copper isotopes in these samples and visited University of Arizona to use their equipment for further analysis. The research was almost like job experience to me. I was working with other people to find answers to questions that have never been answered before.

Most Interesting Class: Currently I am in Sedimentology. The best part I love about this class, along with most other geology classes offered, is the chance to go outside and see what we are being taught. It is very different seeing a picture of cross-bedding versus finding it for yourself in a rock formation on the side of the road. For me, it seems like a much better learning method than studying pictures in books. I am very thankful that Juniata offers this kind of field work and learning.

Favorite Faculty Member: My POE advisor and professor, Ryan Mathur, has probably made the most impact on my experiences at Juniata College. I originally came into Juniata with an Environmental Science POE. Introduction to Physical Geology was a required class I had to take. I really liked geology (I had never had it before). I considered switching POEs, and Ryan of course encouraged my decision. I have also worked on research for him which has given me great field and work experience that I may not have gotten at any other college.

Honors Received: National Honor Society of Sigma Gamma Epsilon JC Honors Brass Quintet

Thank you!

I would like to thank the Class of 1971 for the generosity and contribution to the Juniata Scholarship Fund. This is my final year at Juniata and then I am off into the "real world." One year ago I would have said, "No way! I want to stay at Juniata!" A year since then has had an enormous impact on my development, and I know this year I will be ready for the world. Juniata has prepared me to be ready, and the support that you have provided for me and others is one of the important reasons why we can be here. Thank you so much again for giving me and those others a chance to amplify our success and gratification in our lives' forthcoming careers.

Gratefully,
Katie Downey
Class of 2013