Michaela Shallue worked at student employee at Cline Library as she earned a B.S. in Geology in 2019, and after graduating she worked as a library coordinator for two years. Today Michaela is using skills and knowledge she learned at Cline Library as she pursues a PhD and a career in academia.
What library units did you work for at Cline Library?
I originally started in User Services my freshman year, and throughout my undergrad I also worked in Course Reserves and the Assembly Hall. During my senior year, I had a part-time staff position in E-resources. I was also a Cline Library Student Ambassador!
What have you been doing since graduating from NAU?
After graduating, I worked for two years as a library coordinator for Cline Library. I have since received my Master of Science (MSc) in Geology from Utah State University (USU). My master’s research focused on geoscience education; I used place-based and hands-on learning to create more meaningful learning experiences geared toward Native American students. In January, I started my PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering with an emphasis on river mechanics and modelling, also at USU. I’ve shifted my research focus to study how rivers evolve on human timescales. I’m currently figuring out what my specific research theme will be.
Looking back, how did working at Cline Library prepare you for life after graduation?
Cline Library prepared me for life after graduation by improving my problem solving, leadership, and especially teamwork/collaboration skills. I will have to work in teams for the rest of my life, and I think participating in different departments and groups prepared me for graduate school in that way. One added plus from working for the library is that I became familiar with library resources. Now that I am at a different university, I can take full advantage of my library’s services as I navigate my graduate studies.
What do you plan to pursue next in your career?
I plan to finish my PhD in a few years, and I want to pursue academia by taking post-doctoral positions until I get a faculty position at a university. I want to work at a teaching university where I can lecture and mentor undergraduate students and have smaller-scale research projects. I want to find a balance of conducting research while also inspiring the next generation of geoscientists and engineers.
What advice would you give to Cline Library student employees and other Lumberjacks?
Participate in events hosted by the Cline Library (but this also applied to department, college, and university wide events)! These are spaces where you can hang out with friends and make new connections.
When you were working at the library, who was especially helpful or influential in terms of your career readiness, plans or aspirations?
So many amazing supervisors supported me in my career readiness and aspirations: Stephanie Van Ness, Caitlin Ryan, and Hannah Caproon. They were very encouraging during my time at the library and support me to this day. I am also grateful for moral support from Trace Glau, Bridget Wipf, Elizabeth Berney, and Andrew Story.
What did you enjoy most about working the library?
I enjoyed the library community. I was fortunate to interact with people from various departments and make lifelong connections. My favorite memories are of all the potlucks the library would have. It was fun making a dish to share and seeing what everyone else would bring.
Anything else you want to share?
Another fun thing I’ve taken away from working at Cline Library is how I analyze library spaces! At every library I visit, I think about how each space is designed and how it’s used. When I travel, I like to see the local libraries to “nerd-out” about it.