GEOPAths
Summer Institute in Applied Geoscience
This is a unique opportunity for high school students between their junior and senior year who are interested in learning about geological science. Geology faculty and students from UW-Eau Claire invite high school students to spend a week exploring Geoscience in Wisconsin and learning about the exciting pathways to a rewarding career in Geoscience.
We will explore:
- Geologic evolution of the Upper Midwest
- Surface water hydrogeology of the upper Mississippi River
- Groundwater challenges and progress
- Metallic and non-metallic mineral resources
- Environmental sustainability and the Green Revolution
- Analytical techniques in Earth Science
- University opportunities and exciting careers in the Geosciences
Course Details
Module |
Theme | Activities |
Geology of the Upper Mid-Continent | Geologic evolution of western Wisconsin | Exploration of metamorphic basement rocks, the Great Uncomformity, and Cambrian strata |
Hydrogeology of the Upper Mississippi watershed | Water resources and societal impacts | Introduction to ground water; tour of EC water + wastewater treatment plant; examination of lake eutrophication, Menomonie |
Earth Resources | Responsible use of earth resources | Tour of Covia sand mine, Menomonie; Tour of Cardinal Glass, Menomonie; Introduction to Economic Minerals |
Sustainability Practices in the Upper Midwest | The need for sustainability | Tour of Seven Mile Creek Landfill; Tour of Wissota Hydroelectric Dam; Reclamation activities at Badger Mine |
Laboratory Experiences | Introduction to analysis of earth materials | Introduction to Analytical Techniques (X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope and High Resolution ICPMS) |

Eligibility and Application Information
GEOPAths is an NSF-sponsored program designed to encourage students from historically underrepresented groups (based on race, ethnicity, or gender) and first-generation college students to explore careers in the Geosciences.
- Dates: June 19-23, 2023
- Eligible participants: High school students between junior and senior year, wanting to learn more about careers in Earth Science
- Covered expenses: All in-workshop transportation, lodging, and meals plus a stipend are paid for by the National Science Foundation
- Application deadline: May 15, 2023
- Optional course Credit: This program has an option to be taken as one-credit course, where students pay 50% of the tuition, and the program pays 50%. Please contact us if you are interested in receiving credit but paying 50% is a financial burden.
If interested in this program, please email Scott Clark at clarksco@uwec.edu with the following materials attached:
- A letter of interest
- A letter of support from a high school teacher
- A completed program information packet with parent/guardian signature
After these materials are received, if you are tentatively accepted into the program, Admissions will reach out with your next steps.
Program Instructors
Meet the UWEC geology faculty and students who are part of the GEOPAths program.
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Scott K. Clark
Geology | Liberal Studies
Department Chair | Professor
- Phillips Science Hall 154, Eau Claire | Directions
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Dr. Sarah A Vitale, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Geology
Assistant Professor
- Phillips Science Hall 157, Eau Claire | Directions
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Kent Syverson
Geology | Foundation
Professor | Development Officer
- Phillips Science Hall 145, Eau Claire | Directions
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Robert Lodge
Geology
Associate Professor
- Phillips Science Hall 151, Eau Claire | Directions
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Laurel Mc Ellistrem, Ph.D.
Materials Science + Engineering Center | Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering
Staff Scientist
- Phillips Science Hall 186, Eau Claire | Directions
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