Julia Shukis

Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia 

Major: Geography with a concentration in Geographic and Environmental Systems 

Minor: Atmospheric Sciences, Psychology 

Also earning:  Geographic Information Science (GIS) certificate. 

What led you to choose your major? From a young age, I had always liked the Earth sciences. I think that Geography is the perfect mix of everything the Earth has to offer. It allows me to branch off to different studies like Geology, Meteorology, or Oceanography. 

What are your plans after you graduate? I definitely plan on taking a break and jumping right into work, but a little later down the road, I might pursue an M.S. in Emergency and Disaster Management! 

What are your long-term career goals?  To work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the National Weather Service (NWS), whether it is making maps using GIS or doing hands-on projects. 

What has been your favorite thing about the Department? I absolutely adore the faculty.  I loved getting to know them and learning more about them as people through teaching what they love. Also, not only the faculty, but the friends I made along the way. My closest friends are all in this department! 

Fun Fact about you:  I love giraffes so much.