This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
Geology major and swimmer Alexandria Brannick ’12 (Point Pleasant, N.J.) discusses her major, training, and becoming a paleontologist.
Professor David Sunderlin and Alexandria Brannick '12 near Exit Glacier in Alaska.
What do you enjoy about your major?
I really enjoy being outside and exploring the different processes that make our planet what it is. I am most interested in the evolutionary aspect of my major, looking at paleontological evidence. However, the best part about being a geology major at Lafayette is the sense of community within the department.
One class that every Lafayette student should try to take is…
Paleobiology with Professor Dave Sunderlin: It was cool to learn about the different mechanisms of evolution, extinctions that have occurred, and the different faunas that once inhabited Earth. The field trips we got to go on were also really interesting.
What was your most unique academic experience (class/project/internship) at Lafayette?
I have been fortunate enough to be a part of two different EXCEL Scholars projects while at Lafayette. For the second one, I was able to travel to Alaska and help perform fieldwork, digging up plant fossils. It was incredible. I also had the opportunity to go on the May interim trip to the national parks in Arizona and Utah, which was amazing. The western part of the U.S. is completely different from the northeast, and it was the first time I had visited there.
Do you have any post-graduation plans?
I plan on attending graduate school for paleontology.
What goals have the swimming and diving team set for this season?
Our goal is always to improve as individuals, but this year we are set on placing better overall as a team at Patriot League Championships. We are aiming to have more people make finals during the meet, and our team has been training hard to try to accomplish this. As for in-season goals, we are looking to improve our dual meet record from last year.
What is the typical conditioning program for a Lafayette swimmer?
We have practice six days a week. During the week, we practice for two hours, while on Saturday we practice between two and three hours. We lift twice a week in the morning. Our practices vary in different energy systems, depending on what we are supposed to be focusing on that day. The swimmers are also separated into different training groups, based on what events you swim.
What reality show would you have the best chance of winning?
The Amazing Race
What song/band/album is most likely to be playing on your iPod?
AC/DC
What movie can you quote word for word?
Anchorman and Zoolander
Who is most famous person you have ever met?
John Travolta
Team-Given Nickname: Alex
Favorite Cartoon Character: Scooby-Doo
Words to Live By: Everything happens for a reason.