11 Geoscience Education in the Western U.S and México. Practices, Pathways, and Partnerships.
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Wednesday, 22 April 2026
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Piedmont Virginia Community College’s Geology Club: Building A Diverse Community with Geology
Paper number: 11-10
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 4:30 PM – 4:50 PM
Authors
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Luke LerouxPiedmont Virginia Community College, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Louise MatherPiedmont Virginia Community College, Charlottesville, Virginia
Abstract
Piedmont Virginia Community College’s Geology Club has successfully cultivated an engaging space for geology students. Our club nurtures a diverse community where students gain exposure to earth sciences, learn through field opportunities, and share that knowledge with the wider community. All students are welcome, regardless of experience level, disability status, gender, or race. Our priority is for students to feel comfortable while learning about geology, no matter what their background is or who they are. These efforts made the Geology Club the most active on campus for the past four years.
During most weekly meetings, the club specializes in seminar-style talks where professionals speak to the club, in person or via Zoom. This allows students to appreciate the field of geology as a whole and explore cutting-edge research in paleontology, volcanology, and climate science. Our emphasis on a diverse community of speakers has helped the club become a trusted space for nonbinary, transgender, and queer students. Representation facilitates students’ sense of belonging, which in turn nurtures them toward their full academic potential.
Our other activities during club time include student presentations based on their interests that boost confidence and public speaking skills. We also host game days where members play geology-themed games such as “Geopardy” or “Quartetnary” that strengthen the on-campus community.
Outside of weekly meetings, the club offers biweekly opportunities such as hikes, field trips, social events, and participation in regional and international conferences. These experiences give club members an intrinsic understanding of concepts learned in the classroom, provide travel opportunities, and support their personal professional development. Financial accessibility is a priority. Our goals are to reach all PVCC students and make science more accessible, allowing students to explore geology as a major, career, or lifelong interest.
The Club provides geologic outreach through several venues: we host monthly geology hikes at a local natural area, an annual Rock Day event in our lab, and an information table at local festivals.
Some students hear about the club from taking geology courses, while others are inspired to take the class after joining the club, even if they hadn't previously considered doing so.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 3
doi: 10.1130/abs/2026CD-410769
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