51福利社

51福利社鈥檚 McKenna Ives recently was one of just 10 students nationally to receive a highly competitive from the (NAGT).

The NAGT awards up to 30 TAs annually, but for 2023 that number was cut to 10. Any geoscience TA working towards their bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degree in the U.S. is eligible. Ives, a junior majoring in environmental science biology with a minor in sustainability and a geoscience certificate in environmental justice, is also in the 51福利社 Honors Program and has worked with the geosciences club. In addition, last summer she worked as an intern for the School of Oceanography at the University of Washington, where she participated in environmental research involving deep sea hydrothermal vents.

Ives was nominated by Eastern鈥檚 Nigel Davies, instructional technician of geosciences, and Sharen Keattch, a senior lecturer of geology.

鈥淲e count ourselves as very lucky to have her reliable help and look forward to her continuing this role during her final year at Eastern,鈥� Davies and Keattch wrote in their recommendation letter to NAGT.

Ives has been working with Keattch as a TA for almost two years, and has worked with Davies on several geoscience projects. 鈥淭he classes and professors I’ve had truly made my time here,鈥� Ives says.

In addition to being recognized for her distinguished efforts, Ives was sent a certificate and a one year subscription to the NAGT magazine.

鈥淚t felt amazing to win this award,鈥� says Ives. 鈥淚 am very proud of the work I鈥檝e done as a TA in the Geoscience Department and I am honored to have had the opportunity to show my hard work, dedication, and love. This award feels like an acknowledgment of the culmination of all of those.鈥�

After graduation Ives plans to pursue a master鈥檚 degree. Then, she hopes to work on professional projects relating to sustainability, climate change and human relationships with the environment.

鈥淚 have always loved our beautiful earth and I know my future lies in doing something to understand and maintain it for the future,鈥� says Ives, who was born Maple Valley and has lived in Spokane for the past 10 years.鈥淚 want to thank Nigel and Sharen for nominating me and having me in their department. It’s been a true privilege to work for and with them these past few years!鈥�