Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Alma Reasoner

This fall, the College of Science recognized ten outstanding seniors for their contributions in and out of the classroom. Alma Reasoner is this semester's recipient from Geosciences.

The College of Science caught up with Alma to learn more about her experiences at the University of Arizona and what is on the horizon after graduation.

Why did you choose to study Geosciences?

I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors. Growing up in El Salvador, I loved hiking the volcanoes we have back home, but I never realized geology was something you could actually study. I started college as an engineering major, and once I took an introductory geology course, I was hooked. I then changed my major and transferred to UA because it has one of the best geoscience programs in the country, and I wanted a hands-on learning environment in the field. I eventually found my niche in economic geology after completing an underground geology internship with Nevada Gold Mines. That really confirmed that this is the career path I want to follow.

Tell us about a class or research project you really enjoyed.

Field camp (GEOS 414) hands down takes the prize. A lot of geologists call it a “rite of passage,” and I now wholeheartedly agree. Near the end of your geology program, you spend several weeks in the field doing mapping and applying everything you’ve learned. UA’s field camp is especially unique because it’s a traveling field camp. We camp for five weeks, mostly in remote locations, spending full days hiking and mapping across the Western U.S. Cordillera, summiting mountains, and learning to push ourselves physically, mentally, and academically. It was the first time I genuinely felt confident in my geology skills, and the friendships I made there were unforgettable. I’m very grateful to Dr. Pete DeCelles for running it, and to Dr. Paul Kapp and Dr. Barbara Carrapa for also being instructors in the field.

What is one specific memory from your time at U of A you’ll cherish forever?

Being part of Women in Mining (WIM) is one of my favorite aspects of my UA experience. Every year, we attend the national conference, and these trips have made me really excited about having a supportive community as a student and young professional. Mining hasn’t historically been the most inclusive, so the mentorship, genuine support, and friendships I’ve found through WIM have meant a lot to me.

A special shout-out to all the hiking and camping trips we did with the Society of Earth Science Students (SESS), they were all super fun. 

What are you most proud of having accomplished in your time at U of A?

I’m proud of my work as an undergraduate researcher at the Geotechnical Center of Excellence (GCE), where I analyzed rockfall data and applied machine-learning models to real geotechnical and safety issues in mining operations. I got to write a paper, present at a conference, and coauthor other GCE projects. It was a big step in learning how to be both a scientist and a collaborator.

What is next for you after graduation?

I’ll start grad school at UNLV this spring, studying economic geology with Dr. Andrew Martin. I’ll focus on Carlin-type gold deposits and am excited to build the foundation for a career as an exploration geologist. I’m really looking forward to learning more, doing applied geoscience research, and staying connected to the geoscience and mining communities that have supported me so much.