Naoto Ikado

High school: Ritsumeikan Moriyama

Hometown: Kyoto, Japan

Major: Geology

Minor: Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST)

Activities: Udden Geology Club, Delta Omega Nu fraternity

Internships: Augustana's Upper Mississippi Center (UMC); Morevision, Inc.

Post-grad plans: Pursue a funded M.S. in Geological Engineering at Montana Tech University with a focus on landslides and groundwater 

Why Augustana?

I chose Augustana for its small class sizes and strong geology program. I also appreciated that it doesn't require ESL classes for international students, which allowed me to improve my English while fully engaging in my major courses.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

To be honest, I didn't have a clear plan when I  came to campus. I wanted to explore Earth science and find a direction I could pursue. Through my coursework and research, I've developed a strong interest in groundwater and slope stability, and I now plan to continue studying these topics in graduate school. In that sense, I think I've achieved what I hoped for.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

The faculty and staff of the geology department have provided invaluable support in both my academic work and research. 

In particular, I am grateful to Dr. Strasser and Dr. Wolf, my professors and undergraduate thesis advisors. Their guidance allowed me to pursue my research on radon concentrations in groundwater. Dr. Wolf made significant efforts to purchase and set up new equipment essential for my research, while Dr. Strasser guided me through the project from a hydrogeological perspective. I especially appreciate that he took the time to drive me to Amboy, Ill., to collect groundwater samples the day after Thanksgiving.

I am also thankful to Ms. Wolf for her support with my internship and graduate school applications. In addition, I would like to acknowledge Dr. McCall, my research mentor at UMC. From her, I learned the fundamentals of research, including how to read scientific papers, set up laboratory work, analyze data and present results.

Peak experience?

My peak experience was my first poster presentation at an academic conference during my second fall semester. I never expected myself to present my research independently at a conference. With guidance from Dr. McCall, I prepared my poster and presentation over several months and practiced extensively. Although I struggled to explain the results of my analytical tests using appropriate statistical terms, the moment I was able to explain my research in my own words was truly my peak experience.

What surprised you?

I was surprised by how much professors care about their students. Even in classes outside my major, professors often remembered my background and strengths. This sense of connection made me feel like a valued part of the class and helped deepen my understanding of the material.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice to participate in a field course in the Mojave Desert and Death Valley. Through this experience, I learned about the region's unique tectonic setting and water rights issues. I also had the opportunity to visit distinctive communities such as Zzyzx, Shoshone and Pahrump.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss this beautiful campus the most. I really love Augustana's campus. Its topography is especially fascinating; from the ravine and slough to the Devonian limestone outcrop. Also, I will miss Swenson Geoscience Hall and Fryxell Geology Museum. Every time I go there for class, the exhibits reignite my interest in geology.

Advice for the Class of 2030?

Listen to advice from others. In my three years at Augie, through internships, graduate school applications, research and academics, many of the concerns raised by my professors turned out to be true. Of course, not everything was, but it is important to stay humble and be open to others' advice.