Anticipated Graduation Semester & Year
Samantha Calkins (SC): Spring 2021
Kyle Heiser (KH): Spring 2021
Programs of Study
SC: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Policy Option
KH: Associate in Science – Biology Option
Hometowns
SC: Glendive, Montana
KH: Dickinson, North Dakota
What are your plans after graduation?
SC: Once I graduate, I plan to continue working at my current job as a waitress and travel for a year or two. After that, I plan to begin looking for an entry level job related to environmental science and begin gaining experience.
KH: After I graduate with an associate’s degree from the Department of Natural Sciences at DSU, I plan on relocating to a different part of the United States to pursue opportunities in a developing fitness industry. I currently wish to continue my education to receive a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.
Tell us about the capstone research project you are working on in the Department of Natural Sciences at DSU.
SC: Research Title: Public Perceptions of Soil
With the help of my advisors, Dr. Eric Brevik and Dr. Karen Hale Lewis, I chose to research how different demographics affect the perceptions humans have of soil. During some of the courses I’ve taken in the natural sciences department, I realized how important soil is to humans and how some people may lack that knowledge. I chose this research topic because I wanted to see if my hypothesis of this lacking knowledge was correct.
KH: A capstone research project isn’t a requirement for my degree.
What have you enjoyed most about studying in the Department of Natural Sciences?
SC: Since I was a little kid, science has always interested me, but when I first came to DSU, I was actually a business major for a year and quickly decided that wasn’t for me. Once I transferred to the natural sciences department, Dr. Eric Brevik became my advisor. He helped me figure out my interests and what degree would suit me the best in my future endeavors. Together, we decided I would get a degree in environmental science with the policy option, and once I figured out what degree I wanted to graduate with, learning became interesting again.
KH: My best experiences have involved the community in this department of DSU. All the students are incredibly friendly, and everyone helps motivate each other to be the best students they can be. All the professors are understanding, very intelligent, funny, and have a clear passion for what they are doing. I have not had any negative experiences with anyone in my time in this department.
A note from the professors:
Dr. Eric Brevik, professor of geology and soils: Sami is conducting research in an area that no one else has ever investigated. It is really exciting to have an undergraduate working on a project like this.
Dr. Corinne Brevik, professor of physics and co-chair of the Department of Natural Sciences: Kyle is very interested in the field of kinesiology, and it has been our great privilege to have him as a student as he began his undergraduate journey. He has completed many of our first- and second-year science classes, and I have no doubt that he will be very successful in the next phase of his education.
