Life as a Graduate Student- Interview with Anna Whelan
Anna Whelan, M.Sc. candidate Earth Sciences
Shramana Sarkar (SS): What is your current job and what does it entail?
Anna Whelan (AW): I am a graduate student at MUN pursuing a Masters degree in Earth Sciences. My main focus is shifting from summer fieldwork to processing samples in the laboratory and conducting data analysis to be able to publish my research findings. Additionally, I am also helping out undergraduate students as a teaching assistant for EASC 3600: Environmental Geology.
SS: What does your current research focus on, and what got you interested in it?
AW: My research focuses on biogeochemistry in serpentinite-hosted groundwater springs. The groundwater is capable of sustaining extremophile microbial life through a geologic hydration reaction. The same reaction could be happening on other planets and moons in our solar system where the same type of rock exists with water, and it could be sustaining microbial life in the same way there. Some of these microbes may be methanogens, which produce methane, therefore, I am also reporting on the detectable flux of methane from the springs. I am also reporting on the lipids, or microscopic fossils, preserved at these sites over geologic time.
My main interests are in environmental assessment and exploration, and this study checks both boxes, with astrobiology as an intriguing bonus. So when I heard about this research idea from my supervisor, Dr. Penny Morrill, I just couldn’t say no! Space is so exciting.
SS: When did you start becoming interested in your field?
AW: I developed a passion for environmentalism from spending a lot of time outside as a kid. When I was old enough to understand the damage that was being inflicted on the Earth, I was determined to be a part of the solution. I’ve learned that it is difficult to shift rapidly from the usage of fossil fuels across the planet – sustainable development in the energy sector will involve consistent environmental assessment and remediation, which is where I hope to bring my career in the future.
SS: What has been your most influential “success” factor?
AW: My most influential feeling of success comes from the opportunities I’ve been given for enrichment from working so hard for my grades. I was chosen to participate in CEGA’s Student Industry Field Trip to Calgary, Alberta, where I spent two weeks immersed in the geology of Western Canada with geoscience students from all over the country. I was also chosen to attend the Astrobiology Graduate Conference 2024 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. I felt proud to represent Canada as one of the two students from the country out of over 100 graduate students from across the world. It was an exhilarating experience to hear first-hand about cutting-edge astrobiological research from the people conducting and managing it.
SS: What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your academic career thus far?
AW: Honestly, the most challenging parts have had a lot to do with staying motivated in the face of all the turmoil and political unrest that is going on in the world - to put it lightly. Sometimes, everything else seems trivial compared to these problems, and this deters my motivation to work on my research project. It helps to remember that people are counting on the work that I put out and that I am always working to contribute positively to the world.
SS: What part of your academic career did you enjoy the most?
AW: I think that I enjoyed fieldwork the most! It is so fun to call the outdoors my office some days. I got to travel to California twice for field work which involved camping, hiking, and spending time outdoors in the California sun. The only thing I can think of that is better is doing the same in Newfoundland, which I was also fortunate to call a part of my job. I also enjoyed explaining my research to visitors of The Tablelands, Gros Morne National Park - one of my field sites - while I was conducting my fieldwork there.
SS: How did you balance life as a woman in a STEM-based academic career and everything else?
AW: As someone who grew up on a very low income, I am not a stranger to facing things like this without privilege. Being anything other than a man in STEM is similar because some organizations can be tailored against us. Having strong morals and working hard to take up space with confidence helped me a lot as a woman. Doing that looks different for everyone, so it can be difficult to talk about in a general sense. It’s important to get to know yourself.
SS: What advice would you give to other young women hoping to pursue a path similar to yours?
AW: There is no doubt that science and the male-dominated industry that surrounds it can be difficult, but take a chance on yourself. People with a passionate interest like you are the ones who the world needs to learn and master this stuff. Don’t feel embarrassed when you don’t understand something or want more information because everyone starts as a beginner. Show up, work hard, ASK QUESTIONS, and you will succeed!
Anna Whelan
