Geophysics addresses issues of great importance to society: tackling these requires public support and a pool of highly educated, skilled scientists.
At UTIG, taking our expertise out of the laboratory and into the community is a key part of our mission. When we empower our people and educate young minds we ensure that pioneering geophysics work will continue for generations.
Here you will find some of the ways UTIG sponsors, supports and participates in outreach and education activities serving diverse groups in and beyond the University community. These include education programs for Texas K-12 students and geosciences students at all levels. UTIG is proud to serve our Texas community, helping to build capacity in STEM careers and prepare young scientists for the challenges of tomorrow.
The Texas Space Grant Consortium is a group of 65 institutions which include universities, industrial organizations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies within Texas that are joined to ensure that the benefits of space research and technology are available to all Texans.
UT MARINE GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS FIELD COURSE (MG&G)
Each year, UTIG offers a three-week, hands-on field course for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students studying at the Jackson School of Geosciences, with instruction in the collection, processing, interpretation and presentation of marine geological and geophysical data. Alumni note the course’s applicability to energy, environmental, and geotechnical industries as well as coastal restoration and management fields.
UTIG is the lead sponsor of the UT Austin Science Olympiad. Each year UTIG students and scientists organize and create assessments for the UT Austin Science Olympiad Invitational and Regional tournaments. The tournaments are among the largest and best known science competitions for middle and high school students in Texas, with nearly 2,000 students competing in rigorous, standards-based challenges in all STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines.
UTIG scientists regularly participate in the Jackson School of Geosciences GeoFORCE program, an experiential outreach program that prepares Texas high school students to become part of the geosciences workforce. This nationally recognized program engages more than 640 high school students each summer.