What resources, relationships, and experiences help ESS students succeed? In Autumn 2023, the Department launched ESS 298: Exploring Opportunities in Earth & Space Sciences to help students discover the many ways to engage and thrive at UW and beyond.

This two-credit course is open to all STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) undergraduates and is designed to connect students, especially those interested in ESS, with mentors, resources, and skill-building opportunities that support academic and professional success. Students leave the course with a clearer understanding of how to navigate their time at UW and prepare for what comes next.

ESS 298 was initially proposed by Dr. Meghan Oxley, ESS Undergraduate Advisor (2016-2020), and first offered in partnership with Professor Drew Gorman-Lewis, who served as ESS Associate Chair for Undergraduate Programs (UPC) from 2020-2024. Prof. Alison Duvall, one of the co-instructors and current ESS UPC, notes “the course is helpful for students at any stage in their ESS journey: those who are just entering the department, those who are more senior and looking for advice on next career steps or applying to graduate school, and students in between, trying to maximize their ESS experience.”

Each week, students explore a different theme relevant to the undergraduate experience. Class sessions cover topics such as building community, finding mentors and networking, developing transferable skills, learning about diversity and equity in STEM, navigating mental health, and preparing for future careers. The course features guest speakers from across the university and beyond, including current ESS graduate and undergraduate students who take part in panels on applying to graduate school and engaging in undergraduate research. Industry professionals are invited to share insights into career pathways, real-world applications of geoscience, and the skills employers seek. Experts from our on-campus partners in the Career & Internship Center and the College of the Environment Career Services are also invited to speak with students about preparing post-graduation plans.

To further support our students, local alumni return to take part in panel discussions about their path to employment. Even social media presence is included. Guest speaker Denali K. (@dykanite on Instagram), a Ph.D. candidate, science communicator, and earth scientist with over 300K followers, visited and spoke about the importance of community, visibility, and inclusive science communication. In partnership with LiveWell’s Peer Health Educators, an on-campus student health advocacy center, the course also includes a workshop on emotional and mental health.

Students frequently highlight the variety of speakers and breadth of topics as one of the highlights of the course. With such a range of topics, we knew students would be interested in specific course content even if they were not able to formally take the class. To make this content accessible, class meetings are open to all students, regardless of enrollment, and recordings are available for asynchronous learning.

“Supporting students in making the most of their time here is at the heart of this course and the mission of ESS Student Services. This course helps demystify what support exists.” – M Pritchard

ESS Undergraduate Adviser M Pritchard shares that “while it is entirely possible for a student to go through their entire time at UW without using the many resources available to them, this course helps demystify what support exists to enrich their time at UW. Supporting students in making the most of their time here is at the heart of this course and the mission of ESS student services.”

Building on the success of ESS 298, the department is piloting expanding the course into a series that includes a Winter Quarter section, focusing more deeply on experiential learning and career exploration. The continued success of the class depends on a range of contributors from faculty and staff to alumni and community professionals.

Want to get involved? We’re always looking for speakers and collaborators who can help connect students to meaningful opportunities and real-world insights. If you’re interested in participating, please reach out to Student Services staff member Kristin Evans ().