Kevin Hatton '20
BS Geology 

Long Island native Kevin Hatton had always been interested in geology, but originally came to Stony Brook as a physics major; he switched to geology after taking a class as an elective and realizing how much could be done in the field. As a fan of geological research, Kevin enjoys doing what others might call the “grunt work” of research: cutting, crushing, and sieving rocks. “It is geology at its most basic form,” he said.. 

Kevin particularly enjoyed the research he performed in conjunction with the Turkana Basin Institute in Kenya, which involved uranium-lead dating of fossil wood carbonates. The success of the initial research was such that a field expedition was funded to travel to Kenya for more samples. “It was the best two weeks of my life,” Kevin said of his trip to Africa. “I am grateful to those who went with me.” 

Kevin’s research adventures do not stop there; he was also able to work in Associate Professor E. Troy Rasbury’s Facility for Isotope Research and Student Training (FIRST) for the past two years. Additionally, Kevin has done much in the way of mentoring students and encouraging them to get involved in STEM research. While he was only able to TA for a short period this semester before classes went online, he is a member of the scholarship programs STEM ASSETS, GEOPATH, and GEOPATH-IMPACTS, all of which work to help transfer students become more engaged with both research and the Stony Brook campus. He also helped restart the Geology Club on campus, and managed a few geology field trips. “To see students get excited about their work is the best thing,” Kevin said. “It is excellent to see when a problem ‘clicks’ in a student.” 

The hard work that Kevin put into his studies throughout his time at Stony Brook shows through the amount of recognition he has received for his efforts. His involvement in the classroom led to his receiving the Oliver Schaffer Endowed Memorial Scholarship, and he was also named the recipient of the AIPG Student Essay Scholarship. His posters have been featured at the URECA Poster Symposium for the last two years, as well as at the 2019 AIPG National Conference. He also won a Fulbright Scholarship for the 2020-21 academic year, which will be used for economic geology research in Sweden. Upon completion of his Fulbright research, Kevin plans to come back to Stony Brook and begin his PhD in geochemistry research. His future plans involve holding a faculty position at a research university and teaching geology. 

When it comes to getting involved on campus, Kevin's advice is to just start trying things! “Apply to everything, whether it is for scholarships or clubs or whatever, you just have to try,” he said. “If you want opportunities, then you must try for them. One opportunity usually leads to another and can impact your future. You do not know what to think of something until you have tried it!” 

Kevin’s favorite memory of Stony Brook is of the people he has met. “From the professors to the students, there are so many great people. Being out in the field is the best place to be, but having such awesome and fun people out there with you makes it that much better.” 

While a little disappointed about a few missed opportunities because of the coronavirus pandemic, Kevin’s overall outlook is positive. “Looking forward, I am content. This is because I have been well-prepared during my time here at Stony Brook and have great opportunities lined up for me in the next few years. So, while these times are not the best, I know the future is bright.”