Field Experience Program Recap - Sediment Transport and Geophysics

Our second series of lectures is underway at Yavapai College as part of our Field Experience Program. This program offers hands-on science education for underserved college students by providing engaging activities, including field trips where students apply their knowledge, broaden perspectives on conservation, and gain insight into managing public lands.

Scroll down to learn more about our latest lecturers and the exciting topics covered in Dr. Boyd's Geology 102 and 110 courses.

Annette Sunda (Geology 102):  Annette is a Graduate Student in Computer Science at Regis University. She is also a former GEM scholarship recipient. You can read her Scholarship Success Story here.

Annette's lecture started with her experience in various internships which led her to her current research. She spoke about sediment transport along southern California beaches and how that is correlated to beach shape and beach shape is correlated to biodiversity richness along the beach. A brief history of research related to sediment transport on Mars was given, as well as a quick bit of background on what analogs are and why she uses them.

Annette also shared her current research project and encouraged the group to apply for any internship opportunities they can find.

Sarah Robinson (Geology 110): Sarah is a PhD candidate in Geophysics at NAU and the  Education and Outreach Program Manager for the EarthScope National Office.

Sarah discussed her current research in geophysics and how it allows us to use seismic data to image deep inside the Earth, similar to a CAT scan of our bodies. This data can provide insights into earthquake and volcanic hazards and help us understand more about plate tectonics. Sarah's research has aided in providing a better understanding of seismic hazards and the earthquake cycle, as well as understanding a special type of subduction zone known as "flat-slab subduction".

The next series of lecturers is scheduled for April, followed by a field trip to Drake Cement Mine this summer.

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In case you missed it, we are holding a fundraiser to support this program on Sunday, March 31st in Prescott. Details can be found here. We hope you can make it.