Michael Wallace spent close to four months working on his master’s project at Curtin University of Technology located in Perth on the west coast of Australia.

Michael is a graduate student working on his master’s degree in Geosciences with a concentration in Geophysical Engineering. In his master’s program, he is investigating the use of rapid audio magnetotellurics for shallow sub-surface exploration.

While at Curtin University of Technology, he studied under the direction of Dr. Anton Kepic and investigated the use of a long wire antenna (LWA) and an USB audio device for audio magnetotelluric surveying (AMT). AMT is a geophysical surveying method that uses natural electric and magnetic fields at low frequencies (1 Hz – 22 kHz) to create a conductivity structure for the shallow subsurface (above 300 m). The LWA allows for a wire to be quickly pulled along the ground while the audio device digitizes the signal at 24 bits rapidly. These two improvements allow for better resolution and increased survey speed along a surveyed line than conventional methods like time domain electromagnetics.

Michael said the International Exchange program allowed him to “branch out” and find a suitable project for his master’s program. He said he especially appreciated the contacts he made while living in the Guild House, an international house at Curtin University.

“The Guild House was a big community of Australian and international students, and I met a lot of people from all over the world. I believe about twenty to twenty five countries were represented, but the most memorable men and women I met were from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Indonesia, Kenya, Dubai, and India. It was fun to share our cultures in such a diverse community. I played volleyball and soccer for the Guild House team and attended many birthday parties, and ate a lot of curry. Guild House was possibly the best dormitory experience I have had in five years of attending colleges and universities.”

Questions or Comments? Contact Cindy Dunstan
406-496-4304 • Fax: 406-496-4710