Geology Student Spotlight
Name: Nutaila Al Hadidi
Major: Geology
Year in School: Senior
Where are you from?
I am from Muscat, the capital of Oman.
What gets you excited about Geology?
In my home country, the diverse terrain sparked my curiosity about Earth's history and its various environments. I've always been fascinated by the beauty of nature, constantly wondering how these landscapes were formed and how we can utilize and preserve them.
Favorite Geology class or instructor so far? Why?
My favorite instructor is Dr. Caroline Burberry. She taught my Structural Geology class and has consistently encouraged me to see things from different perspectives. Her kind heart and brilliant smile always brighten my day. Dr. Burberry is also my undergraduate thesis advisor, who has pushed me to exceed my limits. She introduced me to the opportunity to present at the Geological Society of America (GSA) 2024 and encouraged me to take part in the undergraduate poster presentation.
What are you excited about doing after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in Energy Resources and find innovative ways to contribute to the field, especially in the area of CO2 storage.
What is a goal you have accomplished as a Husker?
During my time as a Husker, I’ve had the opportunity to achieve several goals. I’ve worked in multiple roles related to my major, volunteered with the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences to educate children about earthquakes, and competed in a GIS competition, where I won the People's Choice Award. I presented a poster at GSA, participated in various student projects, and have been on the Dean's List since Fall 2022. I also had the honor of being featured in the student spotlight for the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
What do you wish you would have known when you started as a Geology Major that you know now?
I wish I had known more about internships and research opportunities earlier in my studies so I could have taken full advantage of them. Additionally, understanding the geology courses recommended for specific interests sooner would have allowed me to explore more diverse subjects and gain valuable experience to help me achieve my future goals.
What do you hope to cross off your “bucket list” in the next few years?
In my final semester, I was fortunate to cross off several items from my bucket list. Looking ahead, I hope to visit Yellowstone Lake in Wyoming and have the chance to study its unique geology. I also aspire to work for a company that innovates in CO2 storage solutions for the energy industry.
If you would like to see yourself in the spotlight, please contact Doug for more information.