U of A, NSF and National Association of Black Geoscientists Collaboration a Win for All Attendees

Photo submitted by Jo Ann Kvamme

Left to right: award winners Karena Gill, David Davis, Kopo Oromeng, Nicollette Mitchell, and Timmera Whaley of the University of Arkansas.

The National Association for Black Geoscientists hosted its 36th annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia, Sept. 6-9. This event was attended by over 60 students from around the country, including four from Geosciences and Environmental Dynamics at the University of Arkansas. The student expenses were covered through a grant from the National Science Foundation awarded to professor Steve Boss, Department of Geosciences, University of Arkansas.

Students attending the conference participated in:

• Building Social Capital workshop presented by Boss;
• Half-day short course on oil and gas exploration sponsored by ExxonMobil;
• Two days of geoscience research presentations by students and professionals;
• Research poster sessions by student participants;
• Many exhibitors and representatives of geoscience organizations provided students with opportunities for internships and jobs. Exhibitors included the National Science Foundation, GEO REU, ORISE, Paleontological Society, American Geophysical Union, University of Arkansas, U.S.G.S., U.S. DOE - Department of Ecology, NSF UNAVCO, GEO Cognition Lab (Michigan State University), ExxonMobil and BP.
• Fieldtrip to Stone Mountain State Park to learn of its unique geology and history.

A University of Arkansas first-year doctoral student, Timmera Whaley, earned 2nd Prize and an NABG scholarship for her presentation "Assessing Environmental Justice in Alabama Using Geographic Information Systems."

The NABG has been a constant source of support, mentoring, inspiration and friendship for geoscientists-of-color for 36-years.

In addition to Whaley, other student award winners were Nicollette Mitchell (University of Arizona) and Karena Gill (Oberlin College). The poster winner was Kopo Oromeng (Oberlin College), David Davis (Georgia State University).