Hope Dermott joined Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) in the Wetland Science Program as a visiting scientific specialist in wetland science as a soil scientist. She did her undergraduate work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in environmental sustainability, and obtained a graduate certificate in soil science and conservation. She is currently working on her master's degree in soil science at the U of I, examining the impact of nitrate loads from Illinois tile-drained agricultural fields on wetland N-removal efficiency and productivity. We sat down with Hope to get to know her and learn how she became interested in soil science.
What is your background before coming to work at the INHS?
I got my B.A. in environmental sustainability and am currently working on my Master's in Soil science at the U of I. Before joining INHS I worked as a soil scientist for John Deere Technology Innovation Center located at Research Park at the U of I.
What are you looking forward to the most in your new role at INHS?
I'm looking forward to expanding my knowledge and expertise in my field as a wetland soil scientist, and be able to use that expertise to contribute to research that enhances our understanding and management of wetland ecosystems in Illinois. I'm also very excited to collaborate with all the wonderful people and scientists here at INHS!
How old were you when you first became interested in science? What sparked your interest?
I would say I first became interested in science, especially environmental sciences as a young kid. My favorite subject in school was geology, and I would spend everyday at recess hunting for the coolest rocks. It wasn't until undergrad that I realized I could look at soil and rocks for a living!
Who or what drew you to study soil?
I took a couple of soil science classes in undergraduate and absolutely loved it.
What question do you get asked most frequently about your career or the subject you study?
The main question I get regarding my career is "why do I want to study dirt?" and it is am important question! Soil is much more than dirt, and I love telling people why!
What are some challenges you’ve faced in your career?
I think the most challenging thing in my career is the balance between conservation and human productivity. It can be difficult to see the environmental consequences of human impact knowing it could be prevented or minimized. I hope that one day we'll be able to bridge the gap!
What do you wish more people understood about science or being a scientist?
I think a big misconception about being a scientist is that you are expected to discover something mankind has never seen before and change the world. That's pretty intimidating! Science is about incremental change and discovery, and the small things can make a huge difference whether the whole world sees them or not.
What advice would you give to future scientists?
Ask questions!
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Hope can be reached by email at dermott2@illinois.edu.
