Kurt Hayden earned his M.S. in Geological Sciences (Geophysics) from SES in 1995. Kurt now works as an Infrared Research and Development Consultant to the government.
"But I think the greatest benefit I received in my studies in geological sciences was developing an appetite for learning. An enthusiasm for continual intellectual growth and a willingness to evolve to meet the demands of the job have been essential to my success."
Where has your degree taken you?
I don’t think anyone pursues geological sciences with the intent of doing something completely different after graduation, but my work for the government really has nothing to do with geophysics!
How do you feel your experience, specifically as an SES/geology student at OSU, prepared you for your career or life in general?
I think geophysics is one of the most interesting and challenging academic pursuits one can engage in (I may be biased). What is most appealing to me about geophysics is the immense breath of the subject, and the opportunity to pursue and leverage other fields that are complimentary, such as electrical engineering in my case. I had to opportunity to study glaciology and polar geophysics, potential field geophysics and ground penetrating radar – both in the laboratory and in the field. The collateral benefits of my geophysics education were gaining expertise in numerical solutions, programming, and in learning how to make things work in the field (don’t forget the duct tape). But I think the greatest benefit I received in my studies in geological sciences was developing an appetite for learning. An enthusiasm for continual intellectual growth and a willingness to evolve to meet the demands of the job have been essential to my success.
What is your favorite memory as a student?
Working with fellow graduate students into the early morning hours in the Watts Hall geophysics lab, and the field work I got to do in Antarctica, Brookhaven National Laboratories, and other places.
What advice do you have for current and future students?
Campus life offers a wide variety of distractions. Don’t lose sight of why you’re here. Your mission is to acquire the knowledge and expertise necessary to start a career. Keep your nose to the grindstone, enjoy every challenge, and never stop learning.