22 Everyday Geoscience (Posters)

This session will focus on elevating the importance of geoscience through geoscience education (e.g., curricula development, leading fieldwork experiences, etc.) and/or convergence research (e.g., using community-focused research frameworks/methods, community-engaged research, etc.).

Tuesday, 19 May 2026
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Alvarado D/E

The Impact of International Research Experience for Students at NMHU: Integrating Media Arts, Fine Arts, and Environmental Geology Disciplines

Paper number: 22-5
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

The National Science Foundation’s International Research Experience for Students (IRES) program (Awards #1658085, #2245854) has supported twenty-one New Mexico Highlands University students from Media Arts, Fine Arts, and Environmental Geology across five field seasons (2018, 2019, 2022, 2024, 2025) in northern Bohemia, Czech Republic. The project integrated geologic research and cultural studies to develop a diverse, globally engaged STEM workforce with enhanced interdisciplinary skills. Participants have produced more than 30 original videos, photographic portfolios, exhibits, and posters that documented both scientific fieldwork and regional cultural heritage. This multidisciplinary framework reinforced the complementary strengths of art and science. Historical geological maps and early naturalists’ sketches demonstrated how artistic observation can reveal details that scientific methods alone may miss. Collaborative inquiry yields richer, more comprehensive research outcomes. Undergraduate and graduate participants have achieved measurable professional outcomes, including completing theses, presenting posters and talks at conferences, and coauthoring abstracts and peer‑reviewed publications. While the also acquired practical field, media‑production, and cross‑disciplinary communication skills. The sustained interdisciplinary partnership among Media Arts, Fine Arts, and Environmental Geology disciplines established a replicable model for integrating scientific investigation with cultural interpretation, enhancing research productivity, broadening student career readiness, and promoting long-term international collaboration. This project demonstrates that coupling science, art, and cultural inquiry produces transformative educational and research impacts beyond the field seasons.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 4

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026RM-410707

© Copyright 2026 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.