Isaac magallanes
graduate student
university of chicago
Hello, my name is Isaac Magallanes and I’m a first generation chicano scientist from Anaheim, California. I’m a paleontologist currently working on getting a master’s degree in geological sciences at the University of Florida (UF). I received my undergraduate degree in geology at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) where my research focused on the evolution of fossil walruses. Now my research focus at UF has shifted to studying ancient ecosystems in northern central New Mexico.
As a kid I was always into science in some way but never really saw myself as a scientist. Growing up my exposure to science came from the movies I watched and the books I read. Whether it was learning about dinosaurs through Jurassic Park or wishing I was a jedi in space like Luke Skywalker, science was always a part of my interests. When I started college I originally started as an english major but quickly discovered that it just wasn’t for me. 2 years into my undergrad I took an Introduction to Geology course at CSUF that taught by a paleontologist (Dr. James Parham) and realized that science was the path for me. I soon began to volunteer in Dr. Parham’s paleontology lab and within a year switched my major to geology. Since then it’s been a fun journey that has given my the opportunity to travel, meet awesome people, and talk about my research.