Elizabeth Small is a first-year master’s student in geology planning to graduate in the Spring of 2027. Through her applied learning experience, Elizabeth is working as an Applied Learning Student Assistant – Geological Collection Curation for the Geology Department at Wichita State University.
In the role, Elizabeth is responsible for identifying and organizing rock and mineral samples within the department’s geological collection. This involves careful examination of the physical and optical properties as well as maintaining accurate records, so the collection remains a useful resource.
She notes the most valuable part of the role has been the hands-on exposure to a much wider range of samples than coursework alone has provided.
“Learning to identify more complex specimens in hand samples has sharpened skills that carry directly into my research,” Elizabeth said.
Early in her role, Elizabeth had instances when she came across a mineral she couldn’t immediately place. Working through the process, she tested the hardness, examined cleavage, and thought about where it likely formed. When she finally felt confident with landing on an identification, it felt rewarding.
“It reminded me of why I was drawn to geology in the first place, and it made me noticeably more efficient in the lab, where being able to recognize minerals in hand samples before sitting down at an instrument saves real time,” Elizabeth said.
So far, the role has also been preparing her for field work in ways she didn’t anticipate. The department is in the middle of a building merger with the Anthropology Department. This has called for tracking down samples that have been scattered across the building over the years, tucked into unrelated labs, or stored in random areas of the basement.
For Elizabeth, relocating and consolidating everything has been very physically demanding. She gained an inside look and has come out with greater appreciation after realizing the unglamorous yet essential work it takes to keep a scientific collection intact.
“It has also been, somewhat unexpectedly, good preparation for the realities of fieldwork: you have to be organized, adaptable, and willing to haul boxes full of miscellaneous rocks across a building,” Elizabeth said.
She feels this passion has stemmed from something much earlier in her life. Growing up in Lancaster, South Carolina, she spent most of her time sneaking decorative rocks from her grandmother's garden into her pockets. Elizabeth has unknowingly been building her future career since childhood.
“Working with a formal geological collection feels like a full-circle moment, and it’s a reminder of the curiosity that got me here has always been there,” Elizabeth said.
Receiving applied learning funds through the State of Kansas has helped Elizabeth focus on her education and research.
“Graduate school comes with financial pressures that can make it difficult to concentrate fully on your work, and this support helped relieve the burden so I could show up to both my position and my coursework with more energy,” Elizabeth said.
Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.
For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.
Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photo