GEOPATHS Scholars Program

Pathways into the Earth, Ocean, Polar, and Atmospheric & Geospace Sciences

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville STEM Center, in collaboration with the SIUE Departments of Geography and Environmental Sciences, invites applications to the GEOPATHS Project. Funded by the National Science Foundation (Award No. 1911512), SIUE students selected as GEOPATHS scholars will 1) conduct geoscience research that contributes to solving the region’s environmental problems, 2) complete a geoscience community internship, 3) take two summer field excursions, 4) receive training in geoscience technical skills, and 5) participate in local field trips and seminars that highlight the diversity of geoscience careers. GEOPATHS scholars will work with SIUE professors to learn geotechnical skills, build professional networks, and participate in projects that use geosciences to support community health, safety, resiliency, and sustainability. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2021. For more information about the GEOPATHS scholars program, including how to apply, please follow this link.

Who Can Apply

Undergraduate students of any major are welcome to apply. Students must have at least 2 years or 4 semesters remaining.

Current Scholars

Samantha Gallatin

My name is Samantha Gallatin, and I am currently enrolled in my third year as an undergraduate student. I am majoring in Biology for Environment, Evolution, and Ecology, as well as Geography. Through being a GEOPATH, I have been given the opportunity to work with Dr. Alan Black in his research and has given me an opportunity to really embrace the field of Geography. Learning from these experiences and growing as an individual has been my favorite aspect of being in the GEOPATHS program.

Maya Sante

My name is Maya Sante and I am majoring in Environmental Science Management and minoring in Digital Art Media. Some areas of interest include National Park Conservation and Recycling Accessibility and Management. I ultimately would like to bring climate change awareness through photography and my career. I love the GEOPATHS program, because I have learned how to network with my fellow peers and have been involved in faculty lead research.

Kyra Dietz

Hi my name is Kyra and my major at SIUE is Geography. After I graduate I hope to work with natural disasters, along with their relief. The best thing about being in the GEOPATH program is the ability to meet like minded people, who all share an interest in discovering more about the Earth and its future.

Caylee George

My name is Caylee George, and I am majoring in Geography and minoring in Environmental Science. My main area of interest is in Climate Change. As a first-generation college student, my favorite part about GEOPATHS is having a group of respected professionals and other students to turn to for advice and support.

Jesus Sanchez

My name is Jesus Sanchez. My major is environmental science with a focus on environmental management. I’m interested in water quality and I recently have been interested in learning more about environmental law. There are many things that I like about GEOPATHS, you get to meet new people who share similar interests as you and you also get to go on fun trips like storm chasing.

Logan Pelo

Hello! My name is Logan Pelo, and I am a Geography major with an interest in water quality and polar research. I joined the GEOPATHs program in Summer, 2020. Since joining, I have been blessed with a supportive group of peers that push each other to be the best we can. I’ve had the opportunity to work on multiple research projects working with graduate students, other GEOPATHs members, and members of the faculty here at SIUE. Joining GEOPATHs was a turning point for me in my academic career. The program has provided me with opportunities to expand my interests and experiences designed to build my professional network.

Hannah Kolker

Hi! I’m Hannah Kolker, and I learned about the GEOPATHS program through my biology 150 class. I am majoring in Integrative Studies with focuses in biology and environmental sciences, and I am a junior at SIUE, set to graduate in 2022. I love the GEOPATHS program because it gives me opportunities to research some environmental issues and helps me to see all of the possible geosciences jobs I can have. I currently research Asian Carp with Professor Shunfu Hu.

New Scholars

Kristen Moore

My name is Kristen Moore. I’m an ACS biochemistry major, with a minor in psychology. I am interested in entering a field where I can help improve the health of the people around me and excited to work with GEOPATHS to discover new ways I can use my degree for that purpose. I am also looking forward to understanding the relationship between our world and health.