After challenging beginnings, a geology rock star is born
6 – minute read
Harper Buchwald struggled with ADHD in elementary school, feeling unable to stay still or pay attention. It reached a point where a teacher moved Buchwald’s desk next to hers in a corner of the room, facing the wall. She sat there for the rest of that year. From her perspective, no one expected her to ever rise above average.
“I never dreamed of becoming anything,” Buchwald says. “I could barely get through the third grade.”
But she did. In fact, she went on to excel in college, graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University this spring with a bachelor’s degree in environmental geology and three research projects and conference presentations under her belt.
“Being at FGCU with people who see something in me and believe in me and took a chance on me has been truly life-changing and so difficult to wrap my brain around,” Buchwald says.
“I have put myself through so much, proving to myself and others that I can become something. It’s been a true test to myself to see what I can do if I try. I went from having a special desk in the principal’s office and being in trouble all the time in elementary school to graduating college with honors on the path to pursue a master’s degree in geology.”
In recognition of all she’s accomplished at FGCU, she was also singled out as 2026 Undergraduate Student of the Year in The Water School.
“I have never won anything before, so this truly meant the world to me,” Buchwald says. “I worked so incredibly hard for it all and to be at this point, to have people see it and acknowledge it, is amazing. This showed me that people do see me and appreciate me. I believe I am a hard worker, a motivated student and a leader. I have led most of my research projects, been in charge of communication with other organizations and spearheaded my presentations.
“I take great pride in everything I do, and I put great thought and detail into it all. I have always had the dream of making a change with whatever I end up doing, and I believe my accomplishments through my time at FGCU have shown me that I can get things done if I care enough about them.”
Passionate about geology
Buchwald’s award represented the culmination of a long relationship with Rachel Rotz, associate professor in the Department of Marine & Earth Sciences.
Early on, it was clear to Rotz that Buchwald felt passionate about geology, particularly volcanology. As a geologist working in Southwest Florida — a region without volcanic systems — Rotz often connects her field research in Hawaii with students who show interest in volcanic processes.
She had already planned a research trip to the Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, focusing on hydrogeology in volcanic settings.
Given Buchwald’s interests and academic strengths, this was a unique opportunity to involve her in meaningful field experience that could support her development toward graduate studies.
While on site, Buchwald and Rotz conducted geological and hydrogeological sampling within a lava tube system by climbing approximately 30 meters underground into the lava tube, navigating large boulders until reaching a subsurface lake environment. There, Buchwald independently collected sediment and rock samples from the walls and the lakebed.
Following the field component, Buchwald collaborated with researchers from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Georgia to assist with analyses and characterization of water and rock samples. They also collaborated with Jamie MacDonald, faculty fellow and professor in the Department of Chemistry & Physics, to support the geochemical framework for the study. The work is currently being integrated into a manuscript in preparation for submission and publication later this year.
A collaborative mentorship
“Over time, my relationship with Harper developed from instructor-student to a more collaborative mentorship,” Rotz says. “She consistently demonstrated diligence, curiosity and intellectual engagement. She asked thoughtful, insightful questions and showed the kind of natural scientific curiosity that is essential for success in the geosciences.”
“Being in the field, gathering my own samples, conducting my own research and then presenting it all has been a highlight of my academic career,” Buchwald adds. “Being out amongst the volcanoes has also affirmed that this is the path for me, this is what I want to be doing.
“Dr. Rotz helped me realize this is what I want to do and gave me an opportunity I would never get anywhere else. She saw my interest, knew how much I would benefit from it and saw an opportunity to change my life. I am forever grateful for her and this experience. I feel that I truly have become a better researcher and scientist.”
And so, it’s on to Central Washington University to pursue a master’s degree in geology.
“I want to study the relationship between volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and earthquakes,” Buchwald says. “I would love to work at a volcanic observatory monitoring volcanic eruptions. If all else fails, my dream is to work at a national park.”
