The Ohio State University

Brian Kiel
Class of 2007
Major: Earth Sciences

Brian Kiel uses computer software and digital satellite data to analyze surface water. He uses the satellite data that contains water elevation values to calculate river slope and other surface water parameters. For one project, he analyzed Ohio waters and is expanding to the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio Rivers. "I like the global significance of the work," he says.

Being involved in research has allowed Kiel to be the lead author of a peer-reviewed article in the journal Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing. "I'll submit a second peer-reviewed research article prior to graduation and will likely derive my senior thesis in Earth sciences from this same research," he notes.

Kiel, who won a Goldwater Scholarship, says that establishing a strong academic record is helpful to students entertaining the idea of getting involved in research. As he explains, "I did not exactly actively seek research. I was presented with an opportunity largely because of my academic qualities."

Kiel says because of his research, he'll have great freedom to pick academic programs for future degrees. "My experience has helped to put me in a position to make an informed decision regarding the research and education I will pursue upon my completion of a bachelor’s degree," he says. "In short, my undergraduate research experience serves as the single most powerful springboard for my graduate education."

 

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