My name is Thomas, I’ll be the instructor for our FIG Digging for Data. I am a volcanologist, assistant professor in the Department of Earth Sciences. I am one of the lucky persons who is living his passion as I have wanted to become a volcanologist since I was a young teenager. Before that, I wanted to be an archeologist and I have always been very interested in history in general ever since. That is why I decided to couple these interests in this FIG in which we will discover tools that archeologists and volcanologists use to study and interpret the past.  

Aside from having my dream job, I am also living and working in a country that is not mine, I am French. I moved to the United States about eight years ago after completing all my studies in France and I arrived in Eugene only five years ago, after two years in Texas and another two in Michigan. So, like most of you, the U of O was very new for me when I moved to Oregon, and I’ll be very happy to share with you not only my knowledge about volcanoes and earthquakes, but also what I’ve learnt about this University and college life for the last five years.  

Please do not hesitate to contact Nicole or me if you have any questions concerning my teaching, the course, or the university in general. I am very excited to welcome you here and remember that I am here to help you succeed. 

Email: tgiachet@uoregon.edu

Hello incoming students! My name is Nicole Witters, and I will be your FYP Assistant (FA) and I use she, her, and hers pronouns. I grew up in Northern California, and am a Senior here at UO. I’m majoring in Family and Human Services and minoring in Sociology. I have been a part of the First-Year Program since I was a Freshman. Some other things I love are biking, being in nature, swimming, watching Netflix, and going on scenic drives.

              I am so thrilled to be a part of this FYP as a third-year assistant this fall, and I look forward to meeting you all! Right off the bat, I want to share that as an FYP Assistant (FA), I am here for my students as a sort-of “mentor.” I have attended the UO for 3 years already, so I've seen it all! I am here for my students to be someone to talk to, ask questions about academics or social life on campus, or to refer you to any resources that you might need. I hope your first-year transition into the University of Oregon to be as successful as possible with the FYP program. I cannot wait to meet you all!

Email: nwitters@uoregon.edu