Where Data Meets Geoscience: Finding a Path Through Research
Student Snapshot: PJ Ruggiero ’28
PJ Ruggiero ’28 is exploring the intersection of data analytics and geoscience through interdisciplinary coursework, faculty mentorship and hands-on research. This summer, he worked with Associate Professor of Geosciences Jorden Hayes to develop methods for collecting and processing electromagnetic data from a college-owned drone for use in geophysical surveys.
Hometown:
Cold Spring, N.Y.
High School:
Haldane High School.
Majors:
Data analytics and geosciences.
Clubs and organizations:
On Dickinson experience:
The best part of my Dickinson experience has been the faculty. My professors are genuinely invested in my interests, and they've taken the time to help me figure out what I want to do after college.
Best thing about my major:
What I love most about being a data analytics major is the flexibility it gives me to explore my own interests within the field. The classes equip students with skills they can apply across all kinds of career environments.
Favorite professor:
Professor Hayes has inspired me the most during my time at Dickinson. I had Professor Hayes my freshman year for a geosciences class, where I first learned about the depth of the role that data plays in the geoscience world. She is an experienced geophysicist, and her work with data inspired me to explore the field further. That eventually led me to take more geosciences classes, declare my interdisciplinary focus and conduct summer research.
About my internship:
This summer, I worked with Professor Hayes in the geosciences department to develop methods for collecting and processing electromagnetic data from a drone owned by the college. The goal was to create a workflow for future drone use in conducting accurate and efficient geophysical surveys, making these technologies easier to use and more effective across a wide range of field studies.
About my research:
The work turned out to be harder than I anticipated. The drone’s complexity and lack of user-friendly features made it difficult to fly successfully, so I pivoted to focus on the GEM, an electromagnetic survey device towed by the drone. I processed the GEM’s raw data into useful insights using QGIS (a geographic information system used to analyze and visualize spatial data) and ultimately developed a framework for operating the drone with a GEM in tow, along with a complete operation and data-processing workflow for the GEM. I also completed fieldwork and seismic data processing for a Ph.D. student at the University of Wisconsin.
Read more Student Snapshots.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published August 17, 2026