Andrea Meado is a SIU College of Science graduate student from Pearland, Texas.She is specializing in geology.
Why did you choose SIU? SIU provided an excellent opportunity to work on exciting research projects while taking classes and teaching labs.
What inspired you to choose your area of study? Geology allows me to do exciting field work all over the world and scientific research in the lab. I get to solve puzzles of Earth’s dynamic geologic history and find the challenge very rewarding.
What achievement in your life are you most proud of? I am most proud of earning my Master of Science degree in geology from SIU and my bachelor’s degree back home in Houston.
Why should someone consider donating to SIU College of Science? Donations help to continuously improve the quality of education at SIU. Modern equipment in specialized science labs keep students up to date with the advancing field and prepare them for the work force.
Have you received any scholarships as a student? Yes, several as an undergrad and grad student.
What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? Scholarships I have received help me with tuition, student fees, field work, research and presenting at conferences. All of these develop my skills as a scientist and qualify me for a career as a geologist.
How has SIU College of Science inspired you? I enjoy the variety of students I meet in 100-level geology courses. These students are usually non-science majors so it is nice to see them getting excited about the Earth.
Do you have a message you would like shared with a potential donor? Donations will help many students over years to come. Investments in education lead to high quality students that are prepared for careers upon graduation.
If you had $1,000 to donate to SIU College of Science, what would you like to see that money benefit? I would put a $1,000 scholarship towards a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship for STEM majors. Senior research projects can lead to an undergraduate thesis and give the student an advantage when applying for graduate school or broadening their skills.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about SIU? I tell people about the forest on campus and the nice running trail around Campus Lake.
You can support SIU College of Science during SIU Day of Giving on Wednesday, March 1: https://siuday.siu.edu/giving-day/1003/department/1382