Spotlight: Yavapai College Campus Liaison Giovanni Hernandez

G.E.M. Environmental is excited to announce our new partnership with ArizonaServe, an organization harnessing the power of Americorps interns to "​connect passionate people with transformative community projects to fight poverty." Thanks to AZ Serve, we are pleased to welcome our new ​Yavapai College Campus Liaison, Giovanni Hernandez!

Giovanni is currently developing the STEM Success Club at Yavapai College, a group for students to participate in STEM focused field experiences, discussions with scientific professionals and no cost mentorship opportunities to streamline their transition from student to industry professional. Below, Giovanni shares his personal story:

About Me And My Work
I was born in Mexico, but before I had turned two, my family immigrated to Arizona. In Arizona, my father began working in one of the flagstone quarries near Drake, so at a young age I was introduced to the process of mining and the identification of flagstone. I even ended up working at the same quarry at one point. As far as I can remember Coconino sandstone has been a part of my life, and I think this is what really set the foundations for my interest in geology and STEM overall.

My interests extend beyond geology, one of my current passions is in creating fine art, and I have found that STEM and art go well together not only in the fabrication but in the concept of the pieces I create. Using the Fibonacci sequence to create beautiful logarithmic spirals is something that is evident even the works of the Renaissance masters. I try to emulate this in my art because it fulfills both my passion in the fine arts as well as in STEM. I also enjoy rock climbing, I find that it stimulates my desire to further improve myself and aim for greater heights. 

I am grateful for the opportunity that G.E.M. has given me. Last year I took a position as an assistant field researcher at the National Bison Range. Even though it wasn’t in my area of study, the position gave me valuable experience in working in the field with a team. The exciting part is that with G.E.M., not only will I be able to gain experience in geology; I will also be helping others do the same. I look forward to my internship with G.E.M.

~~~

You can learn more about Giovanni by clicking HERE. 

To learn more about G.E.M. Environmental's programs, including internships, visit our Programs Page.

If you're interested in joining the STEM Success Club at Yavapai College, the first meeting will be held Friday, November 9 at 12.