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Geoscience Impacts Nearly Every Aspect of Our Lives

From sustainable energy and climate change, to earthquakes, volcanoes, rivers and glaciers, from the origin of life on Earth to the potential for life on other planets, we lead in educating and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

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ESS Open House, Saturday 10/17, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Two students working in a lab conducting research.

Degrees and Programs

The Department of Earth and Space Sciences offers an expansive educational experience. We provide a rigorous interdisciplinary program in which students develop an understanding of the fundamentals of Earth, space, and planetary sciences, and learn relevant skills for a variety of careers.

Research in Earth and Space Sciences

The Earth and space sciences — geology, geophysics, geobiology and geochemistry — play a critical and unique role in the advancement of knowledge, improvement of the quality of life, and in understanding humanity’s place in the universe. Research in Earth and space sciences draws on methods and theory from chemistry, physics, biology and computational sciences.

Faculty in our department are concerned both with fundamental research and with the dissemination of Earth-science knowledge in the service of society.

Limited resources, geologic hazards, and related environmental change are among the most serious challenges we face.  We use our expertise to provide the training and education required to address these challenges, and we are engaged in serious efforts to include a more diverse community of scientists, students and stakeholders than in the past.

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News

| Alumni News, Between Spheres Magazine

ESS annual alumni awardee profiles: Julia Kelson and Donna Whitney

At the 2026 Awards Ceremony we recognized two alumnae, Julia Kelson and Donna Whitney, whose careers embody the department’s spirit of discovery, service and innovation. We asked our awardees to share parts of their story, with excerpts provided below. Each reflects the curiosity, perseverance and impact we think characterize our graduates. By honoring our former students, we hope to inspire today’s students to strive for both personal and professional success.

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| Donor Spotlight, Between Spheres Magazine

One donation, one big impact

Geologic outcrops provide critical information about a wide range of Earth processes, including tectonics, sedimentary transport and climate. Former undergraduate student Jade Wells (2026) and Assistant Professor Akshay Mehra were awarded funds from the Petrie Endowed Fund for Undergraduate Research to create 3D reconstructions of outcrops for use in teaching digital mapping skills.

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