University of Utah Geology and Geophysics

One of the perks of working with geologists is getting invited out into the field. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the Great Salt Lake. -Ashley

P.S. This is what happens when you bring the social media person into the field.

What does it take to get critical minerals from the ground into the products and technologies we use every day?

Researchers in University of Utah Geology and Geophysics, Mining Engineering, and Metallurgical Engineering, are working on every step of the journey. Head to the link to meet some of the scientists and engineers helping make it happen. https://science.utah.edu/materials-sciences/from-earth-to-industry/

📷 Credit:
1. Ionic Mineral Technologies
2. Todd Anderson
3. N/A
4. Todd Anderson

Field Camp Part 1 ✅

Alumni Highlight!✨ Meet Carrie Levitt-Bussian, who graduated with her master’s degree from the department of Geology and Geophysics in 2013. Carrie currently works as a Paleontology Collections Manager at the Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) and is known for her work at the Dystrophaeus excavation site. 🦕

Carrie is also a member of the Explorers Club, whose mission is to foster the boundless spirit of exploration through the “advancement of field research, scientific exploration, and resource conservation.” She was given the rare honor of carrying the club’s flag to the Dystrophaeus excavation site, a privilege “typically only granted for prestigious, groundbreaking expeditions.”

The flag has previously traveled to the North and South Poles, the summit of Mount Everest, the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the moon, and most recently, on the Artemis II space expedition.

Read the story now: https://nhmu.utah.edu/articles/after-years-field-explorers-club-flag-returns
Carrie’s groundbreaking scientific work and her experience carrying the Explorers Club flag were recently featured in a story by the Natural History Museum of Utah.

📷 1 by Randy Irmis.
📷 2 Carrie holding the flag at the Explorers Club headquarters in NYC.

University of Utah College of Science

Congratulations to Neena on being selected as a Class of 2026 Planetary Science Intern at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, TX! 🚀 🔭🪐Neena is an EES major in Geology and works as an undergraduate science assistant with Dr. Jim Karner.

This competitive internship pairs students with scientists at LPI and NASA’s Johnson Space Center to conduct planetary science research and participate in professional development and excursions to NASA JSC facilities. https://www.lpi.usra.edu/features/2026/040326/lpi-summer-interns-2026/

We’re proud to see Neena representing our geology program in such an incredible opportunity! 🎉

And the Office for Undergraduate Research Mentor Award goes to….Assistant Professor Juan Carlos de Obeso!

Well deserved! 🥳

https://science.utah.edu/students/2026-college-of-science-awards/

Faculty helping faculty. 🤝

We’re big collaborators here in Geo (also hoods are difficult to put on right).

A HUGE accomplishment 🎉 Kip Solomon, distinguished professor in Geology & Geophysics, takes home the 2026 Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology in Academia/Research!

University of Utah College of Science The University of Utah

A moment years in the making. Celebrating our graduate students at the hooding ceremony was truly special. We’re incredibly proud of each of you and the hard work that brought you to this moment. 🥹

📸 by Ashley Herman