AAPG Site Search | Home > Education > Visiting Geologist Program > About the program


Speakers
Objectives of the VGP
Basic structure of a visit
How to arrange a visit
Arrange a visit
Geoscience Administrators, Faculty, Students, and Others
Funding of the program
VG's Topic Focus
VG Talk/Lecture Titles
 

The Visiting Geoscientist Program has been set up to give students a chance to meet practicing geoscientists and to discuss geoscience career options. Speakers usually give a technical talk in their area of specialization as well as a presentation on career options and the best way to plan a career path. The speakers welcome an opportunity to discuss the changes which have taken place in the job market as well as present information on the new technical challenges.

Speakers are available to talk about:

  • Environmental Geology
  • Energy Minerals
  • Hydrogeology
  • Oil and Gas and more

The Program was developed in 1974 by AAPG's academic and industrial advisory committees. More than 200 colleges and universities have participated in the program which continues to grow through the interest and efforts of AAPG and industry.

Return to top of page.Objectives of the Program

The primary objective of the program is to provide a vehicle for better communication among students, faculty members, university administrators, and geoscience professionals. A forum such as the VG Program is an effective means of offering first-hand factual discussion on the current energy situation, the role of geology in society, new developments and resources, industrial aid to education, information of mutual concern to academia and industry and most importantly, careers in geoscience. This could include an array of geology fields.

Most VGs are prepared to give a technical talk which will illustrate the application of geology to real world problems. The VG is also prepared to speak on employment in the geosciences industry, or such information may be communicated through question and answer sessions.

Return to top of page.Basic Structure of the Visit

The visit may take place over one or two days. Schedules should be arranged by the university and the speaker working together. Suggested features are:

  • An introductory meeting with the head of the geology department and the dean of the college
  • A presentation to a combined group of students and professors, followed by a question and answer session--colleges and universities are encouraged to open this presentation to other departments and anyone from the community who might be interested
  • An open meeting with small groups and faculty members
  • An interview with local and campus news media
  • A final luncheon, wrap-up session with faculty members

You may wish to consider asking the VG to present the career talk a second time during the visit, either in a first or second year regularly scheduled geology class. This may help lower division students decide about a career in geoscience, while they are in the formative period of selecting a major. The informal discussion between the VG and students has received the highest rating in program evaluations.

We suggest that, if possible, the VG be provided a private office in the geology department so students may drop by for discussions.

Return to top of page.Arranging a Visiting Geoscientist to be Your Guest

The VG speakers are listed alphabetically and by the region of their specific travel ranges. Speakers are available across the continental U.S. are under Nationwide. The interest of the VG is included also.

Return to top of page.Available Visiting Geoscientists:

  • A topical listing which identifies areas of special interest for each speaker is provided in .PDF format for additional assistance in selecting a speaker. Please consider travel restrictions for each speaker when making a selection.
  • A sampling of titles which some VGs have provided.
  • INTERNATIONAL speakers are becoming available in a number of countries. Please see individual bios..

For your convenience in requesting a speaker an online request form is provided or you may printout the form and fax it to Mike Mlynek AAPG Student Affairs Coordinator. Please select more than one speaker to facilitate processing your request if one is unavailable.

When the request is received, AAPG will contact the specified VG to determine availability. Response to the university and confirmation of dates will be made by AAPG or directly by the geoscientist. Final details such as date, time, duration of visit and specific subject areas of discussion will be arranged directly between the VG and the university professor. After the date of the visit is confirmed, evaluation forms will be furnished to the university and to the speaker so that both can evaluate the program immediately following the visit.

Under no circumstances is this program designed to provide free speakers for unstructured visits or guest lectures. Universities are asked to provide a proposed schedule along the guidelines outlined in this brochure before confirmation of the visit is made. The university's request and all arrangements for the visit should be made by a professor on the university faculty.

Return to top of page. Funding of the Program

The VG, or his/her employer, pays travel expenses to and from the college or university. The participating university is asked to provide lodging, meals and local transportation. To facilitate visits from the VGs, this Web site has the individuals listed according to geographical locations. Since the VG, or his employer pays travel expenses, the likelihood of acquiring a speaker who is located near your institution is the greatest.

Program Funding is provided by the AAPG Foundation

 

Support this program through the AAPG Foundation