Anna Colvin

Anna Colvin earned a BA in Earth and Environmental Studies at Wesleyan University in 2004, and an MS in Geology at Michigan Tech in 2008.

Colvin's graduate research focused on remote sensing of active volcanoes, ASTER image interpretation, crater lake geochemistry, volcanic hazards, and international collaboration between Michigan Tech and the national volcano monitoring institution in El Salvador.

Completing a graduate degree is a bit like running a marathon, says Colvin. You have to stay focused and continually work towards your goal.

The best part of the experience, according to Colvin, was the synergy and multidisciplinary collaboration among GMES students, postdocs, and professors applying remote sensing techniques to volcanology and ground water resources. Students had an interesting mix of life experiences and intellectual curiosity. Many had lived or traveled in Latin America. The GMES department hosted scientists from all over the world to discuss their research.

Participating in geology fieldwork and remote sensing workshops in El Salvador and Costa Rica increased both her confidence and ability to plan and execute projects in Latin America. “These experiences showed me the importance of transcending cultural difference in order to achieve a common goal,” she says.

After graduating Colvin took a job as a geologist in a private geothermal energy company called GeoGlobal Energy. She is currently based in their Santiago office in Chile, and participates in geology, geochemistry and geophysical exploration campaigns as well as geothermal drilling at Chilean geothermal fields. “Chile doesn’t yet have any operating geothermal power plants. It’s very exciting to be working at the forefront of the industry in this country.”

“I am the type of volcanologist whose internal fire is lit when I am talking, thinking, dreaming about geology. It is important to feel passionate for your work whatever it may be. Follow your gut if you feel that you are a geologist at heart.”

—Anna Colvin

On the Faultline, Spring 2013