Matthew Loocke, a Texas native, researches and teaches geology at LSU. He classifies himself as a general geologist with a range of skill sets in the subject.

“I do field work, I work on sediments, I work on hard rocks, I even do planetary science,” said Loocke

He fell in love with the subject when he took a geology class at the University of Houston. In his first class, the professor handed him a chondrite meteorite that was older than the Earth.

After the class, he rushed to switch his major from business to geology immediately. He says the moment is still engraved in his memory.

“And I was also doing music,” said Loocke

Wait, music?

Yes, music plays a big role in Matthew’s life. He’s played percussion, drums, guitar, and various string instruments. He did Jazz Band and an Orchestra in high school. He says been a part of 6 bands with friends growing up. He even did one with his brother.

Like geology, he says that the science behind being a group is to create something unique and larger than the group itself.

“I was in punk rock bands, metal bands, bands that you couldn’t put in a genre,” said Loocke

Though he didn’t pursue music, his research in geology is still in tune. He says he wishes more students would pursue this career.

It can help humans bond with the environment or understand the minerals needed for a healthy lifestyle. For Locke, this passion isn’t something to give up, but to consume you with a rift of emotions.

“The bug bit me, and I never thought about doing anything else,” said Loocke.

When he interprets the story of a rock, he continues to write his own story.