Geophysics addresses issues of great importance to society: tackling these requires public support and a pool of highly educated, skilled scientists.

At UTIG, taking our expertise out of the laboratory and into the community is a key part of our mission. When we empower our people and educate young minds we ensure that pioneering geophysics work will continue for generations.

Here you will find some of the ways UTIG sponsors, supports and participates in outreach and education activities serving diverse groups in and beyond the University community. These include education programs for Texas K-12 students and geosciences students at all levels. UTIG is proud to serve our Texas community, helping to build capacity in STEM careers and prepare young scientists for the challenges of tomorrow.

 

JACKSON SCHOOL MARINE GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS FIELD COURSE (MG&G)
Each year, UTIG offers a three-week, hands-on field course for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students studying at the Jackson School of Geosciences, with instruction in the collection, processing, interpretation and presentation of marine geological and geophysical data. Alumni note the course’s applicability to energy, environmental, and geotechnical industries as well as coastal restoration and management fields.

 

UT AUSTIN SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
UTIG is the lead sponsor of the UT Austin Science Olympiad. Each year UTIG students and scientists organize and create assessments for the UT Austin Science Olympiad Invitational and Regional tournaments. The tournaments are among the largest and best known science competitions for middle and high school students in Texas, with nearly 2,000 students competing in rigorous, standards-based challenges in all STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines.

 

GEOSCIENCES EMPOWERMENT NETWORK (GEN)
The Geosciences Empowerment Network (GEN) is a Jackson School-sponsored organization dedicated to achieving equity at the Jackson School and creating a diverse community throughout the school. GEN serves UT’s diverse community through organizing workshops and seminars, promoting mentorship and community building, and funding scholarships for highly qualified minority graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. UTIG is proud to support GEN through leadership, support and participation.

 

GEOFORCE
UTIG scientists regularly participate in the Jackson School of Geosciences GeoFORCE program, an experiential outreach program that prepares Texas high school students to become part of the geosciences workforce. This nationally recognized program engages more than 640 high school students each summer, 85 percent of whom are minorities.