Earth Sciences
Student Opportunities
Geosciences majors at Tennessee Tech participate in a wide variety of activities. Most geoscience courses go on at least one field trip, and some have several opportunities to do so. Research in the geosciences usually involves being outdoors, so students often find themselves spending themselves spending a lot of their time outside.
Geoclub
The department sponsors the Geoclub, a student organization devoted to the geosciences. It is open to anyone with interest in the Earth, not only geoscience majors. The Geoclub meets in Kittrell Hall. The club raises money for field trips and other activities through fundraisers, including an annual rock sale. For more information, contact the department office at (931) 372-3121.
Geoconclave
Geoconclave is a friendly geoscience competition between other geoscience programs at other schools. The students participate in a variety of technical and non-technical events, including: the rock hammer throw, the geode roll, rock and mineral identification and many others. Points are awarded to the team from each school depending on the outcome of each competition. Our majors have done very well in this competition, having won the majority of the 30+ years that the competition has taken place.
Geological Society of America (GSA)
Many students choose to join the GSA, an organization that promotes geoscience research and discovery, service to society, stewardship of the Earth, and the geosciences profession. National and local GSA conferences offer students an opportunity to present research and network with other geoscientists as mentors and colleagues.
National Association of Black Geologists and Geophysicists (NABGG)
The NABGG, founded in 1981, hosts an annual conference for student members and assists members in applying for scholarship programs, grants and loans that are established for minority students.
Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
SACNAS is an organization that supports more than 8,200 students who are under-represented in the sciences. The organization hosts a National Diversity in STEM conference each year, which connects students to peers, mentors, and role models.
Earth Science Women’s Network (ESWN)
ESWN is a professional organization that promotes career development, provides mentorship, supports collaboration and builds community among women scientists. ESWN supports networking events at the AGU and GSA Annual meetings as well as the Science-A-Thon. The Science-A-Thon is a 5 day event to increase the visibility of science and scientist through utilization of social media. The Science-A-Thon is open to anyone who advances scientific understanding or problem-solves using science and is open to everyone in the STEM fields.
Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG)
AWG is a professional organization which promotes the professional development and advancement of women in the geosciences. Membership is open to women and men. The association has student chapters, sponsors field trips, and gives out many awards specifically for female undergraduate and graduate students.
International Association for Geoscience Diversity (IAGD)
IAGD is a nonprofit organization devoted to creating access and inclusion for people with disabilities in the Geosciences. IADG offer resources for creating more inclusive classrooms for educators as well as hosting accessible field trips. Students who want to participate in IAGD can apply to be on-campus ambassadors. These ambassadors work to create a more inclusive environment on campus, have opportunities for advocacy and professional development, and are eligible for support to attend local or regional conferences as an IAGD rep.
oSTEM
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (oSTEM) is an on campus club for LGBTQ+ students and allies pursuing careers in STEM fields. The goal of the club is help members succeed personally, academically, and professionally by cultivating environments and communities that nurture innovation, leadership, and advocacy. This is accomplished in part by hosting speakers, holding resume workshops, and social events. For more information contact the faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Carroll (acarroll@tntech.edu)
