A MODULAR PROGRAM FOR APPLIED RESEARCH-TRAINING IN INTERDISCIPLINARY GEOSCIENCE

Many highly motivated students enter their undergraduate years desiring an academic major suited to an eventual vocation of service in a complex world of need. Engineering and the social/life sciences tend to dominate as most relevant disciplines for community and natural resource development. Geology has had an obvious public-image deficit. However, recent publicity from giant-storm and tsunami flooding, earthquake devastation and the boom in energy and mineral commodities offer a correction of perspective. Geological phenomena, earth materials and the practice of geology are essential elements set before us in the news.

A summer academic program emphasizing applied geoscience expertise promises to attract majors and help create professional leaders for international development projects. The program concept consists of four research-training modules conducted over two weeks and repeated four times with different research projects for student teams. The modules are: 1) Groundwater hydrogeology (geophysical exploration and well drilling); 2) Sustainable sanitation systems; 3) Building materials-brick making; 4) Small-scale energy systems. Other modules specifically for mineral resource development and land-use planning (with GIS) are also envisioned. Each program component emphasizes original research, teamwork, mentorship supervision, project planning and management, cross-cultural communication and the possibility of exercising learning onsite with NGO (Non Governmental Organization) placements in the developing world. This educational program is currently in the formulation stage for proposal to the NSF as a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site at Wheaton College's Black Hills Science Station.