Demetra Salisbury University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Geology and Chemistry Bachelor of Science, May 1998 e-mail: dsalisb@comp.uark.edu

NASA Academy Research Project:
Digital Tectonic Activity Map

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

My very first research project was at Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville AR. I spent two years searching for an alternative to using wind tunnels to test wind flow over airfoils. My solution was a variation on the Michelson interferometer that allowed me to attend two consecutive International Science and Engineering Fair. During the summer of 1996 I worked on a hydrogeological problem at the University of Arkansas. My project was entitled ’A Hydrogeological and Hydrochemical Connection Between Crystal Lake and Decatur City Spring, Benton County, Arkansas’. I am currently working on another hydrogeological problem entitled ’A Comparison of Water Testing Methods’.

EMPLOYMENT

I am currently employed by the Department of Geology as a computer consultant and Webmaster. I have to very adaptable in any application software and usually end up solving some very bizarre problems. I am also the colloquium coordinator for the department.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Computer: DOS, Windows, Unix, Macintosh, C, Basic; Significant Research Experience; Intermediate Spanish and French

ACHIEVEMENTS

University of Arkansas Honors Program
Sigma Gamma Epsilon, Geology Honors Society
Golden Key National Honors Society
SILO Advisory Research Fellow for Research in Hydrogeology, 1995-1996, 1996-1997
South-Central Geological Society of America Undergraduate Research Grant

INTERESTS

Hiking, biking, rock climbing, swimming, water; San Salvador, Bahamas; fossils, crystals, rocks, meteorites (particularly Martian); cooking, aromatherapy, Star Wars, X-files, astronomy, traveling the world and someday, space.

"I got up at five o’clock this morning to watch the comet Hale-Bopp streak across the northeastern sky. I wish one day to be out there discovering the new frontier and using the force. My passion for space started when I first viewed a picture of the earth from space. The curiosity of what is out there has remained with me ever since. It is reinforced every time I look into the sky and especially at times like this morning when viewing the comet. The sky holds so many mysteries that I ache to think I may not be around for all revelations. One of the reasons I got into geology was so that I can transfer and apply my knowledge of the earth to my favorite planet, Mars. My dream is to inhabit the Red Planet for as long as it takes to discover its secrets. I hope to make my contribution to the space program and science meaningful and I look forward to applying my insatiable curiosity to the mysteries of the Universe. May the Force be with you."