The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Corps are chosen to serve as representatives to all constituents of CAS and to create, promote and execute opportunities for academic and professional growth. These students represent a variety of departments from across CAS and will represent the College at events through interaction among current students, future students, parents, donors and alumni.
Throughout the year, we will be introducing new students representing the College in the 2024-25 academic year through a question and answer format. For more about the CAS Corps, visit: cas.appstate.edu/students/cas-corps.
Tucker Terrell
Year: Senior
Major: Geology - Environmental Geology
Hometown: Boone, N.C.
What brought you to App State?
“My sister graduated from App State in 2016, so I was exposed to the area from visiting her. The music scene was my main reason for applying here. I guess the isolation of the mountains produces some really interesting bands!”
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
“I am involved with the Community Building Club within the geology department.”
What scholarship(s) have you received from Appalachian or while studying at Appalachian?
The Loren Raymond Field Work Scholarship
The Terracon Geophysical Scholarship
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
“My research revolves around using geophysical techniques like ground penetrating radar to map unmarked burials of enslaved persons at Fort Defiance in Lenoir. I love how this project has allowed me to connect with descendants of the sites enslaved populations and teach them to collect geophysical data.”
Which location(s) do you hope to visit for an internship, a study abroad trip, a research experience, or just for fun?
“I am currently involved in an environmental consulting internship with Seramur and Associates that takes me all over the country doing geophysics. The most fun experience I have had is spending a month in the dessert of New Mexico looking for Triassic fossils.”
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
“I am usually found in the Undergraduate Research Lab in the basement of Rankin Science. This is a place where tons of geology majors can collaborate and hangout.”
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
“One of my favorite memories at Appalachian is getting to dive on coral reefs in Bermuda and collect carbonate sands from the sea floor.”
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
“I love the music scene in town. There are amazing venues for small artists like myself to share their craft. Particularly in the alternative scene, almost anyone can find other musicians to play with.”
What are your hobbies?
“I enjoy music production, playing guitar, and going to gigs with my band.”
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
“I really enjoy Creep Cast on Spotify. They go through cold cases or interesting paranormal phenomena.”
Tell us about one faculty or staff member that has made an impact on your life and how.
“Dr. Ellen Cowan has been instrumental in my faculty research project and put me into contact with my current boss, Keith Seramur, a geologist in Boone.”
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
“Since my department lacks a graduate program, all the opportunities to research go to undergraduates like me. This is beyond helpful for students interested in graduate school.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“I hope to be a consulting geophysicist for an environmental company like Terracon. First, I am applying to a masters program in geophysics in Oregon.”
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About the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
Located in Western North Carolina, Appalachian State University provides the perfect setting to study geological and environmental sciences. The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences provides students with a solid foundation on which to prepare for graduate school or build successful careers as scientists, consultants and secondary education teachers. The department offers six degree options in geology and two degree options in environmental science. Learn more at earth.appstate.edu.
Compiled by Lauren Gibbs
December 17, 2024
BOONE, N.C.
CAS Corps member Tucker Terrell is a senior environmental geology major from Boone. Photo submitted
CAS Corps member Tucker Terrell is a senior environmental geology major from Boone. Photo submitted