Emily Blackburn ’18
B.S., Geology
Cherryville, N.C.
THEN:
As a graduate of the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Blackburn says she is, “thankful for choosing a major (and dept) that felt like home with the connections that students and faculty had.” It prepared her for her after-college, professional life “by creating labs that were suited for specific career paths.”
Blackburn also reflects on the opportunity of being located in the Appalachian Mountains that allowed her to engage in field work outside of the classroom and get comfortable with hands-on work. Some classes that helped Blackburn prepare her for next steps after college were Preparation of Geological Reports, Fundamentals of Mineralogy, Structural Geology and Petrology and Petrography.
Photo of Emily Blackburn from her time at Appalachian State University. Photo submitted.
NOW:
After graduation, Blackburn moved to Dakota County, Minnesota for a temporary position collecting data with the Dakota County Water Protection Department and the Minnesota Geological Survey for the rendition of the Dakota County Geologic Atlas. She once again calls North Carolina home while working as an Exploration Geologist for Piedmont Lithium Limited. Blackburn says of her job; “I identify and log the location, quantity and quality of economically valuable mineral resources (spodumene) through core logging, prospecting and soil sampling. I enjoy being hands on with my work and getting paid to play in the dirt.” With her coworkers, she values “dependability and a hard work ethic” in a rapidly changing work environment.
She advises current students “to not be afraid to reach out and apply for jobs that you don’t think you have the credentials to get. Always strive to be better than you are at this moment.”
Current photo of Emily Blackburn. Photo submitted.
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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 https://earth.appstate.edu.
Compiled and written by Barclay Ann Blankenship and Ellen Gwin Burnette
March 31, 2020
BOONE, N.C.
Current photo of Emily Blackburn. Photo submitted.
Current photo of Emily Blackburn. Photo submitted.