Name: Alaina Rieger
Major: Geoscience
Graduating Date: Spring 2010
Start project February 1 - Spring 2010

I am working on a project called “Sands of the World”.  I am examining samples of sands from across the world brought to the WSU Geoscience Department from students and staff.  I will be looking at the mineral composition of the sands as well as trying to figure out the geological history of the area based on the sand, and how it changes from one area to another, based on the mineral composition.  For example, there are beaches in Maine that are garnet rich, but down in Florida the sands are well rounded and well sorted.

Once I have this project done I will be presenting my work at the Student Staff Research Celebration and hopefully at a regional meeting of the Geological Society of America.  There will be a display case in the Science Laboratory Center showing some of the different samples we have.  The display case will also have map of the world showing where the sands have come from as well as a picture of who donated sand and from where.

My plans after graduation are undecided, but I would enjoy working for a National Park or with Karst systems.  I would like to move to Alaska and work for an oil company as well.

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