Support New Geology Field Trips that Bring Theory into Practice

Field experiences are the heartbeat of a geosciences education, offering students an unparalleled opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world observation. The Department of Geosciences at Stony Brook is launching this campaign for the Geosciences Department Fund for Excellence to ensure every student has access to these transformative, immersive learning environments.

While our department offers local day trips, the cost of travel and lodging makes immersive field experiences out of reach for many students. Your support will remove this barrier by funding a one-week-long field trip that is a key ingredient to training confident, well-rounded geologists. Potential destinations include some of the nation’s most geologically important landscapes, such as the Atlantic Northeast, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park and the eastern Sierra Nevada and Hawaii.

Undergraduate alumnus G. Piccione (BS 2017) described these field experiences as formative events that shaped their scientific identity and career success. Now an incoming Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, Piccione credits the applied exercises in the field with strengthening their grasp of geologic reasoning and research skills. By contributing to this campaign, you are helping to grow the next generation of geoscientists. Your gift will ensure that financial constraints do not limit who gains access to the experiences that boost academic, research and professional success.

Why Your Support Matters:

Skill Development: Students develop critical thinking, systems thinking and team-based problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers.

Academic Success: Immersive fieldwork boosts academic performance and helps students forge the confidence and resilience needed for research and professional careers.

Community and Legacy: These trips foster a sense of belonging and discovery, connecting current students with faculty, graduate mentors and alumni.