Welcome to the start of the Spring 2024 semester! February's Student Spotlight features Nicholas Lawson. Nicholas is a first-year graduate student studying with Dr. Joseph Oppong and is aPortrait off Nicholas Lawson teaching assistant for GEOL 1610 Introduction to Physical Geology. From an early age, Nicholas had a deep-seated curiosity for exploring new places and landscapes, either through travel or study of diverse places. His curiosity about the intricacies of the world around him led him to discover the formal discipline of geography in high school. As Nicholas delved further into the subject, he realized that "this discipline perfectly aligned with my passion for understanding the earth's features, cultures, and environments."

Nicholas was drawn to our Master's program due to its "unique blend of science, humanities, and technology to address global concerns." In addition, he was also incentivized to study at the University of North Texas because of the opportunity to earn an additional credential (i.e., the GIS certificate) while working on his Master's degree. For Nicholas, being a graduate student at UNT has been an enriching experience that has presented him with teaching opportunities, connections with professors and fellow students, and an emphasis on professional development. One of the things that Nicholas appreciates the most about UNT is the extensive resources available to him. Some of those are academic support resources, UNT's recreational facilities, and the social aspect of community and collaboration among faculty and students. These resources help create a holistic educational experience for Nicholas.

Upon completing his master's degree, Nicholas plans to pursue a PhD in Public Health, with a view towards contributing to international humanitarianism. Nicholas "envision[s] engaging with an international humanitarian organization where [he] can apply [his] advanced knowledge and research skills to address global challenges." An important lesson that Nicholas has learned in his time as a graduate student is the value of patience. Grasping complex concepts along an individual's academic journey while working on accomplishing personal and professional goals takes time. Nicholas found that trying to rush to the conclusion can sometimes lead to mistakes.

Nicholas has yet to really take the time to explore Denton, but for now, he says his personal hidden gem is "the profound sense of calmness that envelops the city. There is a serene atmosphere that provides a refreshing escape." We could not agree more, Nicholas! We hope everyone has a wonderful start to their year and gets to experience the serenity (wherever you may be) that Nicholas feels when he is in Denton!