Study Abroad Inspired International Grad Work for This Alum

Julia Trufillaro ’25 at the Palazzo del Bo at the University of Padua, Italy. (Photo provided)

Studying abroad and conducting fieldwork while at SUNY Geneseo let Julia Trufillaro ’25 do more than just examine desert rock formations and study in Italy. Those opportunities shaped her future.

A geology major and philosophy minor, Trufillaro is now earning her master’s degree in geology at the University of Padua, Italy, and enjoying the challenge of international life.

“My experiences studying abroad at Geneseo showed me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone and helped me realize that pursuing my education internationally was possible,” said Trufillaro. “Geneseo gave me the confidence and foundation to continue exploring the world, both academically and personally. I believed this is something I can do.”

During Trufillaro’s first experience, she explored the unique formations in the Mojave Desert and Death Valley, and camped during a three-week, intersession course led by geological sciences Professor Nick Warner ’00, PhD.

“The field work really cemented my love for geology,” said Trufillaro, “and my desire to earn a master’s in it.”

During her senior year, Trufillaro took advantage of SUNY’s study-abroad consortium to spend a semester in Italy. SUNY’s program offers more than 700 study abroad programs from a variety of SUNY schools in which Geneseo students can participate. For 2026–27, Geneseo offers 51 different programs, including nine led by Geneseo faculty.

While in Florence, Trufillaro chose courses in philosophy, art history, and meditation, among others. Classes taught in English at Lorenzo de Medici International School, with students from around the world, made easing into global life feel safe. 

“I thought studying abroad would be the best thing I could do for myself because it would force me to be independent and gain some sense of direction. I succeeded in both,” said Trufillaro. “It also showed me there isn’t a situation I won’t find my way through.”

Trufillaro’s confidence helped her say “yes” when Sara Gaudio, an instructional support specialist in the Department of Geological, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, encouraged her to explore graduate studies abroad. 

“Studying the Earth makes it really easy to dream about exploring the world,” said Trufillaro. “I can’t begin to express how exciting it is to live that dream—learning in a new culture and gaining a global perspective.”