Spotlight on Student Workers: Nick Russell

Student workers are critical to the functioning of the SU Libraries. They help staff our various public service desks and do behind-the-scenes work, too. They bring energy and enthusiasm and give us insight into student culture and attitudes.

Nick Russell has worked for the SU Libraries since fall 2016, splitting his time this semester between Circulation and the MakerLab. He is, according to his supervisors, “one of our best student workers.” Born and raised in Highlandtown in Baltimore City, Nick spent a year at community college before transferring to SU. He chose SU because he had friends attending here, and it was just the right mix of far enough from home to provide autonomy but still relatively close.

Nick is a graduating senior majoring in Earth science, a discipline he enjoys because it is about “learning the different processes that have shaped the surface of the Earth over time.” His research interests include underwater volcanism, deep sea trenches, hydrothermal vents and subduction zone plate tectonics. He has presented his research on dead zones in the Chesapeake Bay at the SU Student Research Conference.

In January, Nick will be participating in an SU field course, Geography of the Desert Southwest. He hopes to have internships in the spring with the Bald Head Island Conservancy and in summer aboard an oceanic research vessel with the Ocean Exploration Trust. He plans to enter a Ph.D. program in oceanography, specializing in geologic oceanography, and is looking at a career as either a professor or a research scientist.

Nick said that working for the Libraries has helped him academically. Among other advantages, it has given him an “intimate understanding of the resources that the library offers to students. And I have never felt nervous or apprehensive about asking for help because I am fairly well acquainted with all of the librarians.” Plus, of course, he has enjoyed “all of the treats and snacks that the library employees bring in for us student workers.”

We will miss Nick, but we are proud of his accomplishments and wish him well for the future!