COSAM News Articles 2020 March Auburn Senior Finds COSAM Passion in Geology

Auburn Senior Finds COSAM Passion in Geology

Published: 03/09/2020

Auburn University senior Mason Woodard first became interested in geology in high school, but hadn’t considered his interest as a career choice when choosing to attend Auburn. The Kennesaw, Ga., native began his freshman year with a major in computer science.

“I took my first computer programming class and hated it,” he remembered, adding that he was taking a geology class for a science credit the same semester. “I was having so much more fun in the geology class. I took the midterm in geology and actually had fun taking the midterm. So, I thought switching was probably a good move for me.”

Mason switched his major to geology the second semester of his freshman year and has never looked back. He is currently awaiting admission responses for graduate school to study geochemistry.

During his time at Auburn, Mason performed in the Auburn University Marching Band and played the baritone.

“I really loved performing,” Mason said. “I also enjoyed the people I was around all the time. They became my closest friends.”

Mason has also held the title of president of the Auburn Lutheran Fellowship organization for the last two years. He plans Bible studies, dinners, retreats and is the local crew leader for the Alabama Rural Ministry home repair project.

He also assists Dr. Haibo Zou in his geology lab and shares his knowledge of geology as a tutor through Student Athlete Support Services.

“I enjoy tutoring. It’s fun,” he said. “I’ve met a lot of really cool people. It has been fun watching them figure things out.”

Awards Mason has earned include the Auburn University Presidential Scholarship and “Outstanding Junior in Geosciences.”

“I love the Geology Department,” he said. “I feel like I can go to anybody if I need help with something or don’t know something and they are all willing to do what they can to help.”