The snowballing effect of student support

Filip Novak

Geologic outcrops provide critical information about a wide range of Earth processes, including tectonics, sedimentary transport and climate. Often the only way to observe outcrops is to physically travel to them which, for various reasons (e.g., proximity, challenging terrain, tides, weather, etc.), can be very challenging. One way to address this issue is to create three-dimensional (3D) digital reconstructions of geologic features. Such models not only improve accessibility by providing a broad audience with the ability to virtually travel to outcrops but also enable researchers to make repeatable measurements and give educators a new way to teach geologic concepts.

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.

Over the course of several days in July and August 2025, Wells, guided by Mehra and assisted by fellow former undergraduate Filip Novak (2026), scanned several outcrops in Washington, including at Manchester State Park and in/around Wenatchee using a rented BLK360, which is a light and efficient portable laser scanner.

Akshay Mehra

Members of Mehra’s research group plan to use these scans to build 3D models for use in various ESS courses, including History of Earth (ESS 213), Depositional Environments (ESS 456) and Field Camp (ESS 401). Among the outputs will be a set of “virtual field trips” with interactive components, such as measuring uplift at Manchester State Park, that will teach students how to extract meaningful observations from outcrops, work with 3D data and develop their mapping skills.

Turning one donation into a $47,000 impact

Akshay Mehra

The reconstructions that Wells generated and the demonstrated effectiveness of the scanner served as example data for a Student Technology Fee (STF) proposal that Novak submitted to purchase the BLK360 laser scanner. In spring 2026, the proposal was awarded funding and, as of July 2026, the laser scanner, along with associated survey equipment (e.g., differential GPS devices) is available for use by anyone at UW who is inspired by an idea for a 3D modeling project regardless of their discipline.

Already, the scanner has been put to use for research by members of Mehra’s research group. In July, graduate student David Caro and undergraduate student Novak deployed the BLK360 at the Cretaceous/ Paleogene boundary in Hell Creek, Montana. Using the scanner, Caro and Novak built reconstructions of elongated sandstone structures — known colloquially as “cigars” — to understand what such constructions tell us about river flow and paleoenvironments before and after the extinction of the dinosaurs.

“Overall, I would say that being able to rent the scanner last summer was the final push that helped us succeed with this big STF proposal, which will now create new experiences and opportunities for the ESS community,” Novak said. “Personally, the STF proposal and my time spent working with Jade to collect scans last summer (thanks to the Petrie funds) helped me during graduate school applications. I was able to show potential advisors that I can organize successful funding proposals as well as apply novel data collection techniques during fieldwork.”

Novak started a Ph.D. in geoscience at Princeton University in August.

The Petrie Family Fund

Research opportunities for students allow them to develop important skills, including independence, confidence and communication that will be important for their future professional development. An alumnus of ESS, Gregg Petrie along with his wife, Lilian, established the Petrie Family Endowed Fund for Undergraduate Research to enhance learning opportunities and give students a competitive advantage in their careers. Petrie believes that by supporting undergraduate research projects, “students will benefit by developing strong discussion points for interviews, expanding their professional networks, improving communication skills and enhancing their graduate school applications.”

Join the Petrie family in their support of ESS students by giving to the Petrie fund today.

Petrie Family Endowed Fund for Undergraduate Research

See other department funds and priorities on the ESS giving page.

Student Resources

STF (Student Technology Fund) funds student-led technology projects that support research, innovation and campus services. STF invests in students across three key areas: helping students engage in discovery alongside UW’s world-class faculty; removing financial barriers so student groups can dream bigger; and advancing equitable access to the technology students rely on every day.