Brandon Scott

Tell us about your work/research. What kinds of things do you do?

I have only just started, but I am specializing in the geochronology of Pacific Basin submarine volcanic features because once we know the age of these rocks we can begin to understand their origin and their relation to the rest of the Pacific Basin. Geochronology on igneous rock samples requires a lot of steps from picking up the samples on research cruises to crushing and acid leaching to mass spectrometry. Interpreting and utilizing the data from mass spectrometry is where the fun begins and we can further develop the age map of submarine volcanoes.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

I started out in geology and geochronology because of my love of history. Earth's history won me over once I realized the immense amount of changes the Earth has gone through in its 4.56 billion year history. Even though I am now working in igneous geochronology, once I took a paleoclimatology class it confirmed my passion for geochronology. The methods and techniques we use to age date rocks and their associated geologic events fascinate me. From oxygen isotopes in speleothems to argon isotopes in mafic minerals, the breadth of geochronology is vast and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My parents encouraged me the most to not be afraid to follow my passions. As a first-generation graduate student, it has always been my aim to make my family and friends proud but to also show them that they can do it too.

What element of your work/study do you think is the most fascinating?

The most fascinating thing to me so far is the data we get back from the rock samples obtained on these dives. If a sample is high quality it can reveal so much about the area in which it was found.

What other jobs led you to your current career?

The one great opportunity I have had is working in the geochronology lab at UNLV. It allowed me to work with physical samples and to learn all the important safety and science procedures to follow when working with rock samples.

What are your degrees and certifications?

Bachelor of Science in Geology -- University of Nevada Las Vegas 2021

Masters of Science underway now

What are your hobbies?

I love to play tennis, take long walks, and play tabletop and video games!

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

The main advice I would give is to follow your passion and don't be afraid to try new things. Geology incorporates so many different specialties that anyone can fit into it. Listening to people talk about what they love will make you interested in it too! Once you slowly become more experienced yourself, don't be afraid to promote yourself and to take opportunities when they come up.

How did you get involved with the Ocean Exploration Trust?

My academic advisor, Kevin Konrad, has been involved in OET for the past few years, and I jumped at the first opportunity he gave me to become a part of an expedition team.