A year ago, Avery Laws knew almost nothing about geology. Now, because of a class she took at Palomar College, she’s planning to become a geologist.

Laws signed up for the geology class taught by Professor Sean Figg because she had to fill a hole in her Spring 2024 schedule. She was soon captivated by the field.

“He makes the subject feel alive,” Laws said. “I just loved how geology was so applicable everywhere you looked. You can read about faults and the different textures of rocks and you can see them in real life.”

On a longshot, Laws applied for a scholarship offered by the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG). The scholarships are usually awarded to university students in prestigious geology programs – so she was shocked when she learned she had been awarded a $1,500 scholarship.

The AIPG National Undergraduate Scholarships are awarded to geology students who are academically proficient and dedicated to the field. Figg said Laws deserved to win the scholarship.

“Avery really earned it,” he said. “She has outstanding dedication. She picked up geological concepts quickly and applied them in the field. She has an ability to understand and apply extremely complex geological concepts.”

Laws, a 21-year-old Carlsbad resident, began attending Palomar College in Fall 2022 after graduating from La Costa Canyon High School. She initially considered majoring in biology, then planned to major in American Indian studies – until she took Figg’s geology class.

“He is an inspiration and has been a huge part of my success and believing I can pursue a degree in science,” she said. “I didn’t think I was smart enough to pursue a degree. He made me believe I could pursue a B.S. degree.”

Laws graduated from Palomar College this spring with an associate degree in university studies in math and science. She is transferring to San Diego State University this fall, where she plans to learn more about the field to determine her specific career path.