Frederika “Fraka” Harmsen: Exploring Different Careers in Geology

Geologist and academic Frederika “Fraka” Harmsen has enjoyed the rewards of sharing her geology expertise with students, colleagues and fellow faculty members for more than 30 years.

A longtime professor of geology at California State University, Fresno – and currently the Special Assistant to the President at California State University, Chico – Fraka Harmsen knows the many rewarding career paths available to the aspiring geologist, including:

     Engineering Geologist. Numerous energy companies, mining companies and environmental firms offer positions for professionals to undertake technical and scientific analysis of rock, soil, groundwater and other conditions to determine the likely impact that major construction developments will have on sites. 

     Seismologist. Field seismologists are always in demand by engineering, energy exploration and environmental consulting firms – those in need of professionals looking to identify potential risk for seismic activity (earthquakes). 

        Hydrogeologist. Such professionals concentrate on the movement of water underneath the Earth’s surface and are invaluable in the ongoing search for clean water supplies.  Hydrogeologists often work for government entities and nonprofit organizations.