Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Tanner Johnson
This spring, each department in the University of Arizona's College of Science nominated an outstanding senior who went above and beyond during their time as a Wildcat. We are pleased to share their stories as they reflect on their time at UArizona. Our next Outstanding Senior is Tanner Johnson in the Department of Geosciences.
Tanner Johnson
Department: Geosciences
College of Science: Why did you choose your area of study?
Johnson: I originally came into college thinking I wanted to go into the medical field. Something just didn't feel right, so I started to think back on what I truly was passionate about. As a child, I remember my mom telling me stories about how I was fascinated by dinosaurs, planets, space, and rocks. I would come home from school with the biggest smile on my face and all kinds of rocks in my pockets to show my mom. I watched videos of tornadoes, earthquakes, and volcanos and told my mom repeatedly that I wanted to become a geologist to learn more about these natural hazards. Then, throughout my experiences in undergrad, I have gained an appreciation and interest in geomorphology and surface hazards.
COS: Tell us about a class or research project you really enjoyed.
Johnson: This past year, as a part of my senior capstone project, I conducted a research project about a pre-fire assessment of post-fire debris flow hazards near Flagstaff, Arizona. Utilizing ProDF, a debris flow runout model, the project was to determine areas that would be threatened by debris flows when the nearby forested area burns in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed this project because it exposed me to real world applications of geosciences. This model's results showed us just how the community of Ft. Valley would be impacted if a wildfire erupted and debris flows were produced.
COS: What is one specific memory from your time at UA that you'll cherish forever?
Johnson: For my senior year, I was fortunate enough to be selected as a member of Bobcats Senior Honorary. During homecoming week, our honorary has the opportunity every year to light up "A" mountain with flares during homecoming. If you didn't know, it's been a tradition for many years that Bobcats light the A in red flares to kick off homecoming week. Sharing that moment with 12 of my best friends, and having the opportunity to do that for the Tucson community was something I will never forget.
COS: What is next for you after graduation?
Johnson: In the fall I will be attending the University of Texas - Austin to pursue my Masters in Geosciences at the Jackson School of Geosciences, where I will be continuing to produce research on wildfires and hydraulic hazards. This summer, I have accepted an internship with WSP as a permitting geology intern in Houston!