Geek of the Week: Josie Kinzie (Freshman, Geophysics)

Though there is much wisdom to be gained from listening to the experiences and pitfalls of upperclassmen, it behooves all Mines students to sometimes hear from the younger, up-and-coming geeks. Freshman Josie Kinzie, a Geophysics major, is one among the newer ranks of Mines students, but with her enthusiasm and love of all things nerdy, she truly earns her place within the elite ranks of the geeks of Mines.

[Oredigger]: Why Geophysics?
[Kinzie]: I like rocks!

What has been your favorite class so far?
Earth and Environmental Systems…[because] we watched a lot of videos. I liked the ones with volcanoes. Either that or Java. With Java, it’s so cool to type things into the computer and watch it do what you told it to.

Are you a geek and why?
I guess I am a geek. I have an unhealthy obsession with rocks and dirt. I do appreciate dirt. A teacher in my school back home called me “Dirt Woman.”

When you can find spare time, what do you do with it?
I watch a lot of TV. I also go hiking if it’s nice outside.

What is your favorite thing about Mines?
The mountains. I just like the mountains because I come from a relatively flat place. [I’m from] New York, but not the city.

Which would you rather have: a private jet or a private submarine?
Submarine all the way because of all the weird-looking creatures on the bottom of the sea. If James Cameron can do it, I can do it.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
I helped my roommate get an “A” in Earth [and Environmental Systems].

Which would you rather have: a prehistoric dinosaur for a pet or your own futuristic robot?
[A] dinosaur because I like scaly things and I don’t like robots. Never trust a robot.

If you could be dropped into any fictional universe, what would it be and why?
[The world of] “Percy Jackson” and Camp Half-Blood because I love Greek mythology.

What is your best nerd moment story?
One time, I went on a hike and came back with, like, thirty pounds of rocks.

Who would win in a fight: Bill Nye or Ms. Frizzle?
Bill Nye the Science Guy [because he is a] Cornell alumni. Cornell is [near] where I grew up.

Do you have any plans for the future?
I would love to work for either the USGS or as a National Park Ranger.

Do you have any advice for fellow geeks and Mines students?
Just keep lovin’ what you love. No shame.

What is your favorite quote?
“If science doesn’t move and inspire you, you either don’t understand science or you don’t understand yourself.”