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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.
 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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