When SJC geology students Cameo McKinley and Emily Nall applied to attend the NM Geological Society’s Fall Field Conference, they came from different places, experiences and academic paths.
Exploring the San Juan Basin Through Science and Shared Curiosity
Yet on the mesas, cliffs and slopes of the Eastern San Juan Basin, they discovered a sense of belonging within the world of geology.
Finding a New Path Close to Home
For Cameo McKinley, geology was not part of the plan. Originally from the Navajo Nation in Arizona, she explored nursing and worked in retail before deciding in 2024 that it was time to return to school.
“I wanted to stay close to home,” she said. “SJC felt like being home without being home. I could be independent, but still connected to the people I love.”
A single biology class changed everything. Challenged and inspired, Cameo found herself thriving academically and emotionally. With support from her instructors, she began seeing the landscapes of her childhood through new eyes. Her heritage, love for the outdoors and desire to bring knowledge back to her community led her to pursue an Associate of Science in Geology.
“A rock isn’t just a rock,” Cameo said. “It’s like holding magic in your hands.”
Rediscovering a Family Legacy
Across campus, Emily Nall was walking her own path. A first-generation college student from Houston, she originally considered business or psychology. But geology kept pulling her back, much like it once captivated her great-grandfather.
“He loved geology,” Emily recalled. “We used to take trips together, exploring, rock hunting. I’ve always felt drawn to it.”
Even as others told her geology wasn’t “practical,” Emily knew passion mattered more. A year ago, she made the leap and changed her major to Geology, honoring both her interests and her family legacy.
Three Days in the Field: Discovery, Learning and Connection
Both Cameo and Emily learned about the Fall Field Conference through Dr. Burris, who encouraged them to apply. From the moment they arrived, they felt part of something bigger.
Over three immersive days, the students hiked rugged terrain, examined rock formations, unearthed fossils, and shared conversations with seasoned geologists from across New Mexico. Classrooms transformed into real-world laboratories, giving context to concepts they once knew only from lectures.
“In class, it’s jargon,” Cameo explained. “Out there? It all came together. You see how environments form, how mountains rise. You understand the science behind the landscape.”
A Transformative Experience That Shapes Academic and Career Goals
The Fall Field Conference didn’t simply deepen their geological knowledge, it strengthened their confidence and solidified their commitment to the field.
Cameo describes the trip as “being a kid again on a school field trip, only better.”
Emily encourages future students to attend without hesitation. “If you’re interested in geology at all, you should definitely go,” she said.
Though their paths into geology were different, Cameo and Emily returned with shared clarity and a sense of purpose. The landscapes they explored and the scientific community they became part of helped shape their goals and fuel their passion for the future.
