The Geological Society of America (GSA) in partnership with the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), Incorporated Research Institute for Seismology (IRIS), the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), the Society for Sedimentary Geology, and STEPPE have received funding to support 25 undergraduate and graduate students to attend the SACNAS and GSA national conferences in November 2015.
The funding was awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
"GSA is very pleased to work with SACNAS and STEPPE to offer geoscience students the opportunity to participate in both organizations' annual conferences," said Vicki McConnell, executive director of GSA. "The experience will increase their knowledge, their access to colleagues and peers, and their career opportunities."
"As both a longtime member of GSA and a lifetime member of SACNAS, I know firsthand the benefits attending these meetings provide for underrepresented students," said Dena Smith, executive director of STEPPE. "The mentoring and networking opportunities that I have experienced at both have greatly influenced my own career path, and I'm excited that a new generation of diverse scientists will have this opportunity as well."
The SACNAS national conference is the largest meeting of minority scientists in the nation, with over 3,800 attendees each year. Attendees can choose from a diverse list of professional and leadership sessions, student research presentations, scientific symposia, keynote speakers, networking and mentoring events, and cultural activities.
The GSA meeting is attended by over 6,000 geoscience professionals and consists of 4,000+ speakers and 200+ technical sessions, 20 short courses, and multiple geoscientific field trips. Students partake in daily morning sessions to learn about leadership opportunities at GSA; are paired with a mentor; and attend a special reception celebrating diversity at GSA.
The deadline for students to apply is Friday, 31 July 2015. Students will be notified of their award before 15 Aug. 2015.
For more information about the award, please visit the STEPPE website at steppe.org and look under Funding Opportunities on the home page.
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Contact: Tahlia Bear, tbear@geosociety.org, +1-303-357-1066