Lowell Stott earned his BS and MS from SES in 1982 and 1985, respectively. After earning a PhD he became a Professor of Earth Sciences as the University of Southern California.
Contact: stott@usc.edu
"My advice to all students is to embrace the time you have as a student and capitalize on the opportunities you are given. The lessons and experiences you gain while a student will shape the reset of your professional life"
Where has your degree taken you?
My career path as a scientist was shaped by my experiences as a student at OSU. I was given wonderful opportunities to conduct research in South America and in Antarctica. I am especially grateful for the wonderful mentoring that I received by faculty and scientists at OSU. Without those caring and supportive mentors, my career would have not been possible.
How do you feel your experience, specifically as an SES/geology student at OSU, prepared you for your career or life in general?
My enthusiasm and my drive to achieve success as a professional scientist is a direct result of the experiences I had as a student. At OSU I was given opportunities to conduct exciting research and participate in the intellectual challenges of exploration, discovery, analysis and interpretations. Each day was a new and exciting experience. I never stopped to think about this as a career. Instead, I looked at my experiences as a great adventure! Now when I look back on my experiences as a student, I can appreciate how important those experiences were. But most importantly, I can see that without the collegial and supportive environment that OSU provided, I would not have felt so inspired and driven to become a professional scientist.
What is your favorite memory as a student?
My most memorable experience as a student from OSU was standing at a cairn in the Transantarctic Mountains of Antarctica where the Scott expedition had left a note in a Quaker Oats can, marking their historic passage. It was a great honor to stand where those brave men stood and to leave my own message at that historic site.
What advice do you have for current and future students?
My advice to all students is to embrace the time you have as a student and capitalize on the opportunities you are given. The lessons and experiences you gain while a student will shape the reset of your professional life. So, invest in yourself by being the best student you can be but, take advantage of opportunities to get involved in research with faculty and appreciate the mentorship that faculty provide so that when you leave school, you’ll carry a strong foundation of knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to achieve excellence.