Semmes Scholarship: Funding field research and diverse student interests

Wiley Sikes, a geosciences major at Trinity University, receives a $5,000 annual stipend as part of the Semmes Distinguished Scholarship in Science. This funding allows him to travel to the field for data collection while completing his undergraduate degree. The scholarship covers full tuition for students interested in STEM fields.

Sikes uses the stipend to fund trips to California near the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He has traveled there for the past two summers to collect rock samples. These samples are part of research examining the composition of sedimentary rocks. The work aims to determine how ancient sedimentary basins formed and evolved over time.

The research takes place in the lab of Professor Kathleen DeGraaff Surpless. Sikes joined her lab during his sophomore spring semester after taking a Solid Earth Processes course. He spends hours counting mineral grains under a microscope to determine rock composition. Some of the rocks he studies are 4.2 billion years old. Sikes notes that touching such ancient material is a unique aspect of the work.

Sikes presented his research at the regional meeting of the Geological Society of America in Loreto, Mexico. He also presented at the GSA’s annual nationwide conference in San Antonio, Texas. This October, he attended the conference again in Denver. These events allow him to share his work with experts and meet colleagues from various backgrounds.

The scholarship supports interests beyond scientific research. Sikes is pursuing a minor in art and art history. He has been a member of the Trinity swimming team since his first year. Last year, he joined the diving team. He also serves as a reporter for the Mirage, the university yearbook, for his second year.

Sikes credits the Semmes family for building relationships with students that feel genuine. He describes a group of people who are invested in his education. He says it is inspiring to know that others believe in his potential. The support has helped him explore different facets of his identity as a student, scientist, artist, athlete, and writer.

Sikes describes the discipline required in athletics as useful for his scientific work. He notes that collegiate athletes work daily for small improvements. Focusing on the process rather than a single outcome helps him stay motivated. This mindset helps him move forward through longer or more tiring days in the lab.

Sikes says his time at Trinity has been transformative. He recognizes that the Semmes Foundation’s investment enabled his presence on campus. He has carved out a place within the community by engaging with others. He walks around campus with his headphones off to talk to people he sees every day. He feels he has grown into the community rather than just taking advantage of its offerings.