ISU Geosciences

10/05/2026

Going to GSA next week, but haven't seen the ISU Alumni Gathering link to sign up? Here you go! We can't wait to see you there! We'll have a big crew from the department, including 10 (!) undergrads presenting their research, 8 grad students, and a handful of faculty. Come eat heavy appetizers and catch up with us, just down from the convention center on Monday evening. We hope to see you there!

10/03/2026

Calling all alumni! Are you going to the GSA Connects conference in Denver this month? If so: we’re hosting an alumni gathering 6-8 pm on Monday, Oct 12, and we’d love to see you there! If you didn’t get an invitation email from ISU, please let us know — we’ll tell you where to go. We also made badge stickers for our Bengal crew, so make sure you get one from one of us.

10/03/2026

Nearly 30 geosciences students recently spent five days in the eastern Uinta Mountains. Led by faculty members Kurt Sundell and Dave Pearson, the group explored the area's geology, challenging students both academically and in their field logistics skills.

If you’d like to learn more about the trip, they’ll present an overview at the Department of Geosciences Colloquium series on Wednesday, September 30, from 4 to 5 p.m. in Physical Science Complex Room 108.

10/03/2026

Angela ROCKS! Please join us for her free public talk 3-4 pm on Friday, Oct 9, in Physical Sciences room 108!

An Idaho State University Alum who recently served as a NASA Science Officer for this year’s Artemis II Mission is returning to campus during Homecoming Week, and you’re invited to hear about her experience.

Angela Garcia, planetary geologist at NASA Johnson Space Center, will present “Angela Talks Artemis: Training Astronauts, Testing Spacesuits, and Supporting Moon Missions,” on Friday, October 9, from 3 to 4 p.m. in Physical Science Complex Room 108 on ISU’s Pocatello campus. The talk will focus on the science of space exploration, how NASA conducts geologic research, her recent time as a NASA Science Officer, and more.

More at https://www.isu.edu/news/2026-fall/nasa-science-officer-and-isu-alum-to-give-talk-during-homecoming-week.html.

📸: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

06/29/2026

Thanks, Zanskar Geothermal!

Recently, the company donated all the equipment necessary to perform two-meter temperature surveys to the Department of Geosciences. The donated equipment includes the necessary rods, thermometers, generators, and more for geologists to measure the temperature of the Earth two meters below the surface. The surveys are a quick, portable way to identify geothermal systems, fault zones, and more.

The equipment will be put to immediate use this summer during Field Camp at the Lost River Field Station. From there, it’ll help to expand the department's research and exploration capabilities.

06/29/2026

Way to go, Glenn!

Any alumni thinking about attending the GSA meeting this fall: watch for announcements from us about a celebratory gathering.

A professor at Idaho State University is set to lead the nation’s premier organization representing geologists.

Glenn Thackray, professor of geosciences, will be sworn in as President of the Geological Society of America in July. Started in 1888, the GSA “is a global scientific society with members from academia, government, and industry in more than 100 countries” with more than 18,000 members.

More at https://www.isu.edu/news/2026-spring/idaho-state-university-professor-to-lead-geological-society-of-america.html.

06/17/2026

Happy Birthday, Charlie Blount!

Charlie, a professor emeritus in the geosciences department, recently celebrated his 99th birthday! To mark the occasion, the department gave him some agate bookends and framed the original Western Union telegram he sent to accept his position at ISU in 1974.

He may have retired decades ago, but he’s still a very active presence in the department. Lately, he’s been working on a geomorphology project in Colorado, a project on pre-Yellowstone volcanism in Idaho, and helping out in the front office.

05/05/2026

Come check out our student art and learn about Idaho’s volcanic history! 6 pm, May 5, Idaho Museum of Natural History

The story of the Gem State’s rich volcanic past told through the art of Idaho State University students will be on display at the Idaho Museum of Natural History.

More about the Small Batch, Artisanal Magma and Major Events: Volcanic History of Idaho exhibit at https://www.isu.edu/news/2026-spring/eruptive-art-imnh-to-display-isu-student-works-highlighting-idahos-volcanic-history--.html.

03/11/2026

Today is Bengal Giving Day! We are incredibly grateful to the Sargent Family for offering a $5000 donation match for the Shirley Sargent Scholarship Endowment. Please help us reach that match!

Shirley Sargent embodied our department’s focus on students. She was the admin assistant in our department and the Idaho Museum of Natural History for over 30 years, and she used that time to build the culture that we still actively foster today. Shirley believed in the importance of education to change lives, and her children and grandchildren continue to be Bengals. The Shirley Sargent Scholarship helps multiple geosciences majors each year and can be the difference in finishing the degree. Please join us and the Sargent Family in expanding Shirley’s support of students.

Join me and make a gift to Bengal Giving Day