By The Keystone Newspaper The KU Geophysics Society held its first meeting of the semester, outlining an ambitious schedule of events and initiatives designed to engage students with hands-on geological and geophysical experiences.
By Katelynn Humbles
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the KU Geophysics Society held its first meeting of the semester, outlining an ambitious schedule of events and initiatives designed to engage students with hands-on geological and geophysical experiences. The meeting covered upcoming rock-hounding trips, academic seminars, and participation in national conferences, reinforcing the club’s commitment to both fieldwork and professional development.
Photo Credit: Katelynn Humbles
One of the key activities discussed was rock-hounding, a favorite among members for its accessibility and opportunity to explore local geology. The club is planning a series of short day trips, lasting between 30 minutes and one hour, to various locations for rock collecting. A past trip to Deer Lake has set the precedent for these excursions, and more outings are expected to be scheduled throughout the semester. Larger field trips are also on the agenda, with last year’s major annual excursion taking members to Herkimer, New York, in the spring. This trip gave students the chance to hunt for Herkimer diamonds.
In addition to field excursions, the club is actively involved in geophysics projects that support archaeological research and cemetery studies under the guidance of Dr. Sherrod. These projects provide practical applications of geophysical methods, offering students hands-on experience in subsurface imaging and analysis. Participation in these projects helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.
Educational opportunities extend beyond fieldwork, as the club is committed to hosting monthly seminars to bring in professionals from various geophysical fields. The first seminar of the semester occurred on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Boehm 262 and featured a discussion on environmental consulting. These seminars provide valuable networking opportunities and insight into career paths within geophysics and related disciplines.
Photo Credit: Katelynn Humbles
The club is also looking forward to a major academic opportunity in March: a trip to Denver, Colorado, for the Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems (SAGEEP). This trip, funded through an Undergraduate Research Council (URC) proposal, highlights the kind of opportunities available to members who engage in research and professional development. While this particular trip is not open to all members, it serves as an example of what is possible for those who get involved with the club’s activities.
Additional rock-hounding excursions are also planned, including a trip to Eckley Mining Village in early April and a potential visit to Jasper Park, Pa., in late February or early March. These trips will provide members with opportunities to collect specimens and gain experience in field identification and mineralogy.
For students interested in learning more about upcoming events, it is encouraged to reach out to the club president at ssmar485@live.kutztown.edu. With a strong schedule of field trips, research projects, and professional development opportunities, the club is poised for an engaging and productive semester.