Talk about seeing the fruits of your labor – fast!
Recent hard work by the AAPG Foundation produced tangible results in a very short time this spring, with students and geoscience professionals around the world benefiting from the efforts.
“It’s been a very busy start to the year for our staff and volunteers – some might say urgent, in fact – because some opportunities for us to do what we love doing came across our table,” said AAPG Foundation Chair Jim McGhay. “It’s all about doing what we can to bring excellence to the geosciences.
“Already this year we’ve supported and participated in a lot of activities, some of them brand new to us, and the experiences have been very exciting for us,” McGhay added.
McGhay was referring in part to the recent, newly Foundation-branded AAPG Student Research Symposium and Expo, held in mid-March at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla.
The expo itself has existed for several years, but AAPG Foundation Trustees approved a proposal to provide its support earlier this year.
“As expected, the Symposium and Expo proved to be a wonderful way to use Foundation funding to help showcase today’s young geoscience talent,” McGhay said.
“Also, our involvement in the event was a wonderful and timely opportunity to let the next generation of geoscientists know that AAPG and the Foundation are here to be part of their geoscience careers both today and for years to come,” he said.
And the bonus result for geosciences was building a two-way street.
“A symposium like this is a great way for us to not only help build the future, but also to hear and learn from these talented students,” he added. “A lot of good posters were presented and ideas shared. I’m sure a lot of great careers were potentially started there, too, and we’re very proud that we were part of it.”
Susan Nash, AAPG’s director of Innovation and Emerging Science/Technology, who played a leading role in creating the event, confirmed McGhay’s observations, saying she was “very impressed by the posters and research work” that were displayed and presented.
“It is a great event to support,” Nash said with a nod toward the Foundation, adding that:
- Geoscience students were able to “learn new, highly practical skills and knowledge, which may not be available through their regular curriculum.”
- Students were able to “hone their presentation skills and learn how to communicate a message clearly and persuasively.”
- Students not only heard about but actively began to develop the skills needed to be a professional geoscientist.
- Companies and government agencies that hire interns and graduates “were able to share insights about what skills are needed for the next generation.”
In all, nearly 100 students participated, representing 16 universities from 10 states – as far away from Norman as SUNY Binghamton. Of those attending, 65 enrolled in short courses and 45 presented posters.
Also attending as exhibitors were representatives from 13 companies/organizations.
“We’re always looking for good ideas and new proposals for how the Foundation can help support and promote the geosciences,” McGhay said. “This event is a great example of that – once it was brought to our attention, we acted quickly to be part of it, and our team at AAPG worked very hard and fast to help make it a success.
“We (at the Foundation) always ask ourselves, is this something that will help fulfill our mission of ensuring geoscience excellence?” McGhay said. “When the answer is yes, like it was for the Student Expo at OU, we’ll do all we can to act quickly.”
Volunteers Needed
The recent Student Expo at OU was a wonderful success, indeed, but it was just one of the many plates spinning on the Foundation’s schedule. Also active are the Foundation Grants-in-Aid and the new Field Camp Scholarship programs, which are in the final stages of completion.
But there are more programs and activities, which, in turn, means a lot of opportunities remain for volunteers to help ensure and advance the Foundation’s missions.
“Being an active participant in and supporter of the AAPG Foundation is rewarding, satisfying, important, meaningful and challenging – often all at the same time,” McGhay said.
“We couldn’t do it without the very talented team at AAPG, who coordinate and manage our programs,” he added, “but they can’t do it without AAPG members who volunteer their time and expertise.”
In other words, while financial support of the Foundation is essential, there are plenty of ways to help advance the mission that won’t cost you a dime.
For example, did you know that all AAPG members are eligible to help review and judge applications for various grants, scholarships and awards?
Coincidentally, while reviewing is currently being completed for several Foundation activities, rapidly approaching deadlines involve:
- The AAPG Foundation Inspirational Geoscience Educator Award – Nominations are being accepted through April 15 for this honor, which is presented annually to the college or university professor who best demonstrates “outstanding leadership in the field of geoscience education.”
(Would you like to nominate a professor for the honor? Or, as a volunteer, would you like to join others to determine who best exemplifies this ideal?)
- The Deana and Paul Strunk Military Veterans Scholarship Program – Nominations are being accepted through April 30 in a program that supports education and career opportunities for military veterans and their families.
(Would you like to help determine those who will receive a Foundation boost to their geoscience career dreams?)
“Volunteers have always been the backbone of the Foundation’s ability to help others,” McGhay said. “Volunteers are an important part of our family – and we love large families!”
For additional information on volunteering your time and expertise to a Foundation program, or for information on all Foundation programs and activities (including how to contribute), go to the AAPG Foundation website, or contact Heather Hodges ([email protected] or [email protected]; 918-560-2621).