Student Research in Geology
Click on the image to the right for a larger version.

The Geology Department faculty are all engaged in active research, much of which is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), including Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) funded projects.  This provides many opportunities for student participation in research during the summer and school year.

Research projects vary with student interest and funding, however recent projects have included research in experimental petrology, paleontology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, and glacial geology.

Geology majors are encouraged to complete a senior research project under the direction of one of the faculty members, completing GL4501 (Introduction to Research) and GL451 (Senior Research). Completion of GL451 requires a written senior thesis and public presentation of results, typically at a Geological Society of America professional meeting. Student research projects vary with interest and funding. Recent projects have included research in experimental petrology, paleontology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, geophysics, planetary geology, and glacial geology. Many students participate in NSF-funded REU programs (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) during the summer between junior and senior year. Recent students have traveled to Alaska, Mongolia, Kamchatka, and the Caribbean Islands with such programs!

Summaries of Student Research

Students can now earn a departmental distinction upon successful completion of both a superior senior research thesis, GL 451 (Senior Research), and the geology degree with a GPA ³ 3.5 for all geology courses and the supporting science and mathematics courses that are required for the major.  Their efforts are recognized, in part, by a plaque stating the following:

For excellence in scientific coursework and successful completion of a superior research project, Augustana College's Department of Geology
has conferred the Departmental Distinction in Geology upon the following students:

Anders E. Carlson, 2000; Melissa J. Stafford, 2000;
Jessica P. Allewalt, 2001; Beth A. Johnson, 2001;
Veronica E. McCann, 2001; Jessica J. Terrien, 2001;
Stephanie R. Bluemle, 2002; Meghan M. O’Hearn, 2002;
Monica Z. Bruckner, 2005; Erica L. Emry, 2005;
John A. Mischler, 2005; Michael R. Sheehan, 2005

- Student Research 2005
- Student Research (1997-2004)

Students interested in a teaching career get valuable "research" experience by participating in the Geology Education Outreach Program which sends a group of Augustana geology students out to a local elementary school once a week for six weeks to present an after school program.

Each year, approximately 10 Augustana geology students teach Earth Science concepts to 4th-6th graders at local schools such as Ericsson Elementary, Audubon Elementary, Longfellow Elementary and Denkmann Elementary. For 1 hour after school each week for 6 weeks the Augustana students use hands-on activities to introduce geology concepts, culminating with a field trip to the Fryxell Geology Museum on campus. The program provides a unique learning experience to local kids and a teaching an opportunity for Augustana students interested in a career in education.