WKU News

“From a young age, I was fascinated by Earth’s history—collecting various rocks and fossils from wherever I could find them,” said Dayvon K. Woodard, a graduating senior from Nashville, Tenn.

Woodard, a first-generation college student, said, “Growing up, I didn’t see many people who looked like me represented in the field of Geology, and that only strengthened my determination to pursue it.”

Woodard has pursued a bachelor’s degree in Geological Sciences, and his determination to pursue Geology extended beyond regular studies to include geochemistry research, research presentations at conferences, organizational leadership roles and graduating in three and a half years.

“During my time at WKU, I’ve taken my classroom knowledge into the real world. I conducted geochemistry research in Utah through the National Science Foundation’s REU program at Brigham Young University, studying dust and environmental geochemistry,” Woodard said.

He also presented his research at the American Geophysical Union (AGU), one of the world’s largest scientific conferences, with more than 30,000 scientists, according to Woodard.

“Beyond research, I strive to make science accessible—believing that knowledge should never be gatekept. As a rising geologist, I see it as my duty to share factual, meaningful information that benefits both science and society,” he said.

“My geology coursework and field experiences at WKU have been invaluable in preparing me for a professional career,” Woodard said. “Fieldwork, lab work in Dr. Gani’s LeGo Lab and research in Dr. Andersland’s SEM Lab provided me with technical and analytical skills that directly translate to graduate-level research.”

Dr. Nahid Gani, Professor, University Leadership Fellow and Geological Sciences Program Coordinator, served as the director of the Landscape Geodynamics (LeGo) Lab. Dr. John Andersland, a Specialist with the Electron Microscopy Facility, leads the SEM lab.

“Dayvon has been deeply involved in microscope-based analysis of rocks and sediments, focusing on the micromineralogy of Appalachian slope materials. Using petrographic microscopy and SEM, he carefully documents grain types, textures, mineral and elemental composition and microstructural features that influence slopes weaken and fail,” said Dr. Gani. “He has also analyzed limestone samples collected for a USGS EDMAP geologic mapping project, refining our understanding of marine fossils and their dissolution characteristics in southwestern Kentucky.”

Dr. Gani went on to explain why this research is important and how Woodard’s work supports it.

“Dayvon's research is integrated within my ongoing NSF EPSCoR CLIMBS earthquake-hazard mapping project in western Kentucky. Hazards such as landslides and earthquake-induced ground failure are strongly controlled by properties visible only at the microscopic scale, mineral composition, grain boundaries, microcracks and cements. By linking these micro-features to real field sites in Kentucky and the broader Appalachian region, Dayvon’s work directly supports better geologic maps and more accurate assessments of slope stability and earthquake hazards that affect local communities.”

Woodard chose Geological Sciences because he knew at an early age that geology, especially paleontology, was his calling. “My passion for uncovering and understanding Earth’s history through rocks and fossils drives me daily,” he said. “I’m fascinated by how geological processes record the story of ancient life and past environments, and I’m committed to using that knowledge to better understand how our planet has evolved and continues to change.”

Woodard also participated in the Geology Club to further expand his professional interests, developed as a leader through his time as a resident assistant, and public relations and marketing manager in the Black Student Alliance and member of Why Knot Us Black Male Initiative.

“I’ve had the privilege of being part of several organizations that shaped my leadership, academic growth and sense of purpose,” Woodard said. “WKU’s Geology Club introduced me to the professional and field-based side of Geology, helping me build practical skills and a strong scientific network.”

Woodard said, “The Intercultural Student Engagement Center became a second home, providing opportunities for leadership, mentorship and community.”

He added that participation in Why Knot Us and the Black Student Alliance taught him the importance of representation, advocacy and uplifting others.

He expressed that his experience working as a resident assistant allowed him to make a lasting impact on campus life. “I’ve worked to improve HRL policies that support student workers and enhance the quality of life for residents. Each of these experiences has shaped me into a more empathetic leader, communicator and community builder.”

Dayvon Woodard will graduate from WKU on December 12 with a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences. After graduation, he plans to pursue a doctorate in paleosciences with a focus on evolution, oceanography and volcanology.

“My long-term goal is to conduct research that deepens our understanding of Earth’s past environments and to mentor the next generation of scientists—especially students of color—who aspire to make their mark in the geosciences,” Woodard said.

#WKUGrad series: For more stories on graduating students in the #WKUGrad series, visit https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=default&categoryid=799&multinewsid=187