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“Field experiences in all aspects of the

geosciences are essential.”

These words from Jinny Sisson, instructional professor at the However, while the importance of fieldwork is significant,
University of Houston and director of the Yellowstone-Bighorn costs force many students to forgo this critical experience. Costs
Research Association (YBRA) Field Camp, underscore a crucial impact field camp directors as well. As Jinny notes, “We still
facet of GSA’s mission—to enrich the geosciences through use mostly pencil and paper mapping techniques due to financial
cultivating and supporting aspiring geoscientists, particularly considerations about incorporating digital techniques with a
by enabling field opportunities. Through the Field Camp population of students who can barely afford the extra expense
Opportunities Fund, GSA members can aid the Society in of a field course. We’ve had students delay attending field camp
fulfilling this mission and help shape the future of geoscience. for over three years because they don’t have the money to attend.
Throughout her career, both as a field instructor and field There needs to be more support for field geology programs not
camp director, Jinny has been a passionate advocate for student just for students but for young faculty wanting to share their
field experiences. In the field, students come to fully understand knowledge about how the Earth works.”
concepts that were taught in the classroom, an experience Jinny
describes as invaluable for students and instructors alike. Will you join us in giving students like Amy the support
Students learn essential geoscientific skills, such as geologic they need to explore the field and discover their passions?
field mapping and field safety, while expanding basic skills, GSA’s Field Camp Opportunities Fund allows GSA to provide
such as common-sense decision making and teamwork. These financial support for aspiring geoscientists so they can hone their
experiences help broaden students’ backgrounds and skillsets, field skills and discover their interests without financial strain.
allowing them to discover their interests, as well as preparing Make your gift today! You can give online at gsa-foundation
them for careers in academia, the petroleum and environmental .org/donate. To discuss in-depth ways that you can support field
industry, or even outside of the geosciences altogether. camp scholarships, please contact Debbie Marcinkowski at
This was true for Amy Moser, a Ph.D. candidate at the +1-303-357-1047 or dmarcinkowski@geosociety.org.
University of California Santa Barbara and 2013 YBRA
attendee, whose field camp experience was life changing:

There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about how field camp
laid the foundation for my career in the geosciences. I remember sitting
with my mapping partners during one of our last projects, looking out
across the half-graben we were mapping, and in that moment knowing
that geology was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Beyond
solidifying my career choice, my time at YBRA taught me skills that I
continue to use both in my own field research and when I teach in the
field. Teaching in the field has been the most rewarding part of my
career in geology thus far, which is an experience I wouldn’t have if it
weren’t for those fundamental days at YBRA. Field camp is where
everything comes together for undergraduates in the geosciences.
Left: Amy Moser at the Beartooth Mountains during the 2013 YBRA field camp.
Right: Moser at Clarks Fork Canyon in northern Wyoming.

www.gsa-foundation.org

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