Geoscience
Geoscience is the study of our planet, its lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Geoscientists use their expertise to monitor changes in the environment, gain a greater understanding of our natural world, predict and evaluate how human activities may contribute to environmental change, and manage Earth’s resources. The study of geoscience provides strong preparation for a variety of careers in government, industry and academia, including environmental consulting; weather forecasting; natural hazards impact assessment; natural resource management; environmental law; petroleum exploration; science teaching; science journalism; and research in geology, hydrology, climatology, and meteorology.
The Geoscience Department offers a variety of courses spanning areas of geology, hydrology, and atmospheric science. In addition to taking formal courses, most geoscience students undertake undergraduate research through independent study and honors courses or as internships. Course instruction and research are strongly augmented by fieldwork in the Finger Lakes region, as well as other locations around the world.
In “Paleontology” taught by Associate Professor of Geoscience David Kendrick, students research the mysterious lives of prehistoric plants and animals. A class trip to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History…
During the summer research program at HWS, Professor of Geoscience Neil Laird and Associate Professor of Geoscience Nick Metz take a novel approach to student mentoring that reflects “real world”…
At the American Meteorological Society’s annual conference, Ian Beckley ’20 received an award for the presentation of his research investigating the interaction of short-wave troughs and lake-effect snow events off…
