Geek of the Week: Mike Burton, Sophomore, Geological Engineering

Many people throughout history have tried to define the traits that separate ordinary men and women from geniuses and revolutionaries. One must have both intellect and great knowledge in one’s area of interest. Despite these favorable qualities, however, genius is never appreciated in its own time, often because the geeks who transcend into “genius-dom” are those who push the boundaries that others simply accept and work around. Many students at Mines recognize the necessity of pushing the limits around them and few understand this need more than sophomore and geological engineer, Mike Burton.

[Oredigger]: Why did you choose Geological Engineering?
[Burton]: I kinda got stuck in it on accident freshman year and I really liked it. I really enjoyed the class. I had Shorey and he made it a lot of fun.

What’s been your favorite class?
Probably Geological Principals and Properties. I had Humphrey for that and he has hilarious stories and [the class material] was stuff I really enjoy. It was actually fun for me.

Are you a geek and why?
Yes, [because I like] video games, comics, video games, video games, video games, video games. I actually enjoy my major; I love everything about it. You show me a picture of a mountain and I’ll be finding everything wrong with the mountain geologically. It’s actually really entertaining for me.

What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
[I] got into Mines, I found a major I really like, I quieted my video game OCD by getting every single achievement on “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2,” and I have pissed off people in every European country.

How do you spend your spare time?
“Eve Online,” video games, Netflix, screwing around, watching movies.

What do you like most about Mines?
Hanging out with my friends here because we’re all just freakin’ nerds.

What do you like least about Mines?
Chemistry and Calculus.

If you could be dropped into any fictional universe, what would it be and why?
“Warhammer 40,000” because it is awesome. I would be a space marine and all would tremble before me! I love everything about it and [being in that universe] would make the game become real.

What’s your favorite animal?
Wolves. I get along with them, I’ve seen them in the wild, I’ve been able to walk up and pet them. It’s the one I see myself being if I were an animal. They’re just frickin’ badasses.

What’s the best nerd moment you’ve witnessed or been a part of recently?
[An] all-night comic movie watching marathon [where we watched] “Hulk vs. Wolverine,” “Hulk vs. Thor,” and “Batman: The Animated Series.”

Would you rather be given a functional spacecraft of your choice or hands that can generate firebolts?
Spacecraft of my choice because there’s not much someone could do to me if I went into space and just started shooting things.

Do you have any plans for your post-Mines future?
Work and make lots of money so I can keep playing video games.

Do you have any advice for fellow geeks and Mines students?
Go to class. If you’re from Texas, beware of Colorado. It will try to kill you.

Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“If the thought of something makes me giggle for more than fifteen seconds, I am to assume that I am not allowed to do it.” – Skippy’s List