Will Hackett '07 of Tully, NY, gathered data in his home region and worked with pros at the US Geological Survey. The Tully Junior-Senior High School graduate received a University Fellowship to study The Tully Valley Brine Field/Mudboil Hydrogeologic Connections Project. "My project allowed me to work with geology professor Diane Burns as well as professionals at the US Geological Survey," says Will, who majors in geology and environmental studies.  “This experience helped me make important connections with professionals and taught me how to conduct professional research, which is serving as the data for my senior thesis with Prof. Steve Robinson."  Will recommends that any motivated students think about a project that interests them, enlist interested faculty members, and apply for a fellowship. He's sure students will be pleased with the outcome.

"One attribute of St. Lawrence is that the faculty are genuinely interested in what their students are working on," he says, calling his department "possibly the best learning environment on campus--it's really more like a learning family." He's an active member of this family, busy with the Geology Club and Sigma Gamma Epsilon (geology honorary society). He also was one of the founders of the Film Club and is an active skier, mountain biker and hiker.

After graduation, Will plans to attend graduate school to get his master's degree in geological sciences.