Andrea Donnellan earned her BS in geology from SES with a minor in math in 1986. Andrea went on to obtain an MS and PhD in Geophysics from the California Institute of Technology in 1988 and 1991, respectively, and her MS in Computer Science from the University of Southern California in 2003. Andrea now works as a Principal Research Scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Contact: andrea [at] andreadonnellan.com
"My field and modeling background as well as a minor in Math at Ohio State provided a solid foundation for the rest of my career. Ian Whillans was a wonderful mentor."
Where has your degree taken you?
I went to Ohio State, because I was interested in Earth Science and wanted to go to Antarctica. Much to my surprise I ended up going three times to study the West Antarctic Ice Streams with Ian Whillans. My interest in the ice sheet extended to my doing a senior thesis on modeling of the grounding line of the ice sheet. My one disappointment is that we submitted the work for publication, but it was rejected. I recall words to the effect of “I don’t want to discourage this young lady, but…”
I interviewed for a job at the county doing water testing, but wanted to continue with research, so I applied to graduate school. I got into University of Minnesota and Caltech. University of Washington rejected me. I loved the environment at Caltech and the enthusiasm for research, so I went to work with Barclay Kamb, a glaciologist there. I spent six weeks on Variegated glacier studying mini-surges prior to my first year at Caltech. In our first year we were required to do two research projects. The second project was on crustal deformation near Los Angeles and just before my oral exams in the fall of my second year the Whittier Narrows earthquake occurred. For a few reasons I switched then to study crustal deformation for my Ph.D. thesis and continue doing so to this day.
My field and modeling background as well as a minor in Math at Ohio State provided a solid foundation for the rest of my career. Ian Whillans was a wonderful mentor.
How do you feel that your experience, specifically as an SES/geology student at OSU, prepared you for your career or life in general?
I loved that Ohio State was a large school. It felt like a city with sub-communities that provided many opportunities. The group so students was close knit and I am still friends with some of them.
What is your favorite memory as a student?
The field work, both in Antarctica and at field camp was my favorite experience.
What advice do you have for current and future students?
My advice is probably not unique. Find what you like to do and do it well. Don’t go into research or a career path if you don’t love it.