Outstanding Senior Awards: Katleho Ramotso

College of Science: Why did you choose your area of study?  

Katleho: From an early age, I enjoyed learning about the weather and looking at maps, which sparked my passion for understanding nature. I specifically chose to study earthquakes because of the 2011 Japan earthquake. I was fascinated by how earthquakes can affect millions of people and the sheer scale of their destructive power.

COS: Tell us about a class or research project you really enjoyed. 

Katleho: I really enjoyed the research project I worked on through the Geoscience department. I investigated tremor-like episodes at salt domes used for underground energy storage along the U.S. Gulf Coast and how we can use tremor-like episodes to improve hazard monitoring at these sites. This experience taught me so much about what research is like — from learning to listen and take advice from others, to building strong communication with my research professor, and understanding that making mistakes is a natural and valuable part of the process. 

COS: What is one specific memory from your time at UA that you'll cherish forever? 

Katleho: I’ll always cherish the opportunity I had to help grow Epsilon Eta, the Pre-Professional Environmental Fraternity, from its foundation, and to work alongside people whom I can now call my friends.  

COS: What are you most proud of having accomplished in your time at UA? 

Katleho: I’m most proud of myself for getting involved in different college activities through clubs and building friendships with people from various majors, as it’s easy to get lost in academics and forget to maintain a social life.  

COS: What is next for you after graduation? 

Katleho: I will be starting my Master's degree program in Geosciences at the University of Arizona.