UMD Department of Geological, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences

Questions about volcanoes? Ask Geological, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences' Megan Newcombe in today's Reddit Ask-Me-Anything: https://redd.it/1u68jcl

Megan's research combines experimental petrology, numerical modeling, and state-of-the-art geochemical analyses to study volcanoes on the Earth, the Moon and Mars.

Alongside her research, Megan is dedicated to education and outreach, hosting an annual Volcano Camp that brings local high school students into the lab for hands-on science.

We pleased to announce that Professor Sarah Penniston-Dorland has been named Chair of the Department of Geological, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, effective July 1, 2026.

Sarah has been with the department since joining as a lecturer in 2004 and was promoted to professor in 2020. Between 2017 and 2022 she served as the department's director of graduate studies.

She is taking over from Professor James Farquhar who has served as chair for the past five years, overseeing our 50th anniversary celebration as well as the change to our new name to better reflect the many areas of study by our faculty and students.

You can read the full announcement here: https://cmns.umd.edu/news-events/news/sarah-penniston-dorland-chair-geological-environmental-planetary-sciences

PhD Student Elizabeth Huang recently competed in the final round of the university-wide Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Elizabeth was one of only 20 3MT Finalists across every college, representing CMNS with her presentation entitled A Tapestry of Stone.

UMD Graduate School 2026 3MT Competition at the University of Maryland

Maryland Day was a big success this year! Check out the photo album to see the fun the visitors had at our events.

https://cmns.umd.edu/news-events/news/val-finlayson-volcanic-rocks-reveal-earths-earliest-chemical-secrets

Volcanic Rocks Reveal Earth’s Earliest Chemical Secrets | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland UMD researchers find evidence that deep pockets of primordial material remained undisturbed within Earth’s mantl

Jay Kaufman is the recipient of the 2026 the Francis J. Pettijohn Medal for Sedimentology, awarded by the Society for Sedimentary Geology. Jay has been recognized for his "Excellence in Sedimentology." The award ceremony is planned for the 2026 GSA Connects in Denver, October 19-22.

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Even small gifts can have a huge impact. Learn how you can give back to our department programs and support geology students:

Support College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | Giving Day I’m ready to support College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences on March 8, 2023 during Giving Day . Learn more about College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences and all the other areas participating in Giving Day .

Sujay Kaushal was named as the Goldschmidt Conference F. Earl Ingersol Lecturer (a 30 minute keynote presentation) for the upcoming meeting in Montreal (12-17 July 2026).

F. Earl Ingerson was a founder and the first president of the Geochemical Society. He also helped establish Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta and served on its first editorial board. The Ingerson Lecture is named in his honor, and is awarded annually.

With the melting snow comes a hazard to our waterways - WTOP News As D.C.’s snow and ice finally melt, rising sodium levels from road salt are fueling a growing water‑quality threat. Scientists warn that decades of heavy salt use are driving harmful salinization in local rivers and streams, endangering aquatic life and long‑term ecosystem health.