Student Spotlight with Rebecca Port

Rebecca Port is an FAU alumna who graduated in 2003 with her B.S. in Geology and in 2008 with her M.S. in Geology. Port has been a Geologist for the last five years at the National Park Service Geologic Resources Division in Lakewood, Colorado.

What are some of your core responsibilities?

My position with the National Park Service is unusual to most people because I don't work in a park. Rather, I work for NPS headquarters. I'm responsible for a report series called the Geologic Resources Inventory. We deliver geologic maps and reports to national parks to help their staff use science to understand and manage the outstanding geologic features and processes protected in the park. I love my job because I get to learn about the geology of parks across the country and advocate for geologic resource protection and education.

How did FAU help prepare you for this role?

My class and fieldwork at FAU prepared me with the technical knowledge I needed to begin a science career with the federal government. And the teaching experience I gained as a graduate student at FAU helped me develop my ability to communicate complex geologic concepts. This combination of skills was critical to my success with the National Park Service where I'm expected to quickly synthesize information and communicate the most important components to park managers and government officials.

What did you enjoy about your experience at FAU?

The FAU campus is beautiful with easy access to the beach and natural areas for hiking. I loved that the Department of Geosciences was the perfect size for me to easily get to know all the faculty and most of my classmates. I really felt at home there.

What research did you perform while at FAU? And how did the faculty help you through your thesis or dissertation?

For my thesis research, I traveled with my advisor to the North Slope of Alaska to investigate ancient climate by studying rocks and fossils that were more than 20 million years old. I spent several weeks working in the field followed by laboratory analysis of the fossil shells we collected to reconstruct ocean temperatures during the organisms' lifetimes. I was also able to assist with others' research around Florida and the Bahamas by collecting samples while scuba diving and using a manned submersible! Before coming to FAU I had never done fieldwork and had no understanding of the research proposal and grant process. The transition from classroom learning to conduct research was overwhelming but the faculty at FAU, especially my thesis advisor, consistently presented me with opportunities to learn and participate in their projects. If I was willing to step up to the challenge, the faculty was always there to patiently guide me.

What tips would you give to current students in the College of Science looking to pursue a career in your field?

There are so many types of jobs you can pursue with a geology degree. If you are interested in a science career with the National Park Service I suggest first pursuing at least a master's degree to gain proficiency in your subject area. Even if you won't be doing research on the job, the NPS looks for scientists that understand how research is conducted and how to interpret results. A master's degree will also make you a much more competitive applicant. Second, be open to taking a position or working on projects that are outside of your wheelhouse. The NPS is a team-oriented environment; employees with a wide variety of skills tend to be most successful. If you are determined to focus on a single subject area, the NPS may not be the place for you. Lastly, have patience while seeking employment with the federal government. The NPS is highly competitive. Be open to getting your foot in the door any way you can, such as through volunteering or internships.