Nina Athanasopoulos is an undergraduate researcher at the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) and a junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she’s pursuing a degree in Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability, with a minor in Ecology & Conservation Biology. Starting with ISGS in January, Nina spent the summer as a Potter Intern, exploring critical minerals research and geochemical analysis. Read on to discover what inspires her work and how she brings a love for the natural world into everything she does.
Q&A with Nina Athanasopoulos
Q: Can you tell us about yourself and your role at PRI?
A: My work at ISGS focuses on critical minerals research. Over the summer, I studied Pennsylvanian-age cyclothems and used portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) to run geochemical analyses on drill cores. I've had the chance to visit several state surveys, work in the stable isotope lab, and collaborate with some of the best scientists in Illinois!
Q: What drew you to your area of work or study?
A: I’ve always loved the natural world! I actually started in Engineering Physics, but I knew I wanted to be a scientist. I like to say studying geology is like reading the Earth's diary—perfect for curious people like me.
Q: What tools are indispensable to your work?
A: Definitely the pXRF and a sanding block—they’re essential for the kind of research I do.
Q: What questions do you get asked most frequently about your career? How do you answer?
A: People often ask, "So you just look at rocks all day?" And honestly, yes, I do! That’s what makes being a geologist and working at ISGS so fun.
Q: What advice would you give to those just starting out in your field?
A: My best advice is to get involved as much as possible! Local sustainability initiatives and working at ISGS helped me fully commit to Geology and Sustainability. The more hands-on experience you can get, the better.
Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: I love hiking and playing guitar. I also write for the Daily Illini and enjoy exploring the live music scene in Champaign-Urbana.