Internships
You can also learn field mapping techniques by participating in a summer geology field camp, typically in the western US. These camps usually last 7-8 weeks. Summer fieldcamp fliers are beginning to arrive and will probably peak in December. They are posted on the bulletin board outside Science 123, and most have application deadlines in the early spring. A link to a comprehensive, on-line directory is included below. You will also find a rich variety of summer programs designed for students in geology, earth science, environmental studies, or field studies hosted by local, state, and federal agencies or national organizations. In the past we have had students working on the coal database for Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Geology and mapping and doing GPS of shoreline changes for ODNR’s Lake Erie field office. The GeoCorps America Program was developed by the Geological Society of America to offer geologists and earth scientists a 12-week paid summer project working in a National Park, National Forest, or with the Bureau of Land Management. Several years ago, one of our students monitored the activity and sampled the geochemistry of mud geysers in Yellowstone National Park. Wittenberg Geology students have also participated in summer research projects through the Keck Geology Consortium and the National Science Foundation – Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU’s). Links are provided below. If the information is not current, periodically check it. These opportunities are generally firmed up by early December for the following summer. You can receive internship credit or independent study credit for these depending on the type of experience and in consultation with your advisor or the department chair. On-Campus Support for Summer Research The Floyd R. Nave Endowment Award in Geology Any Wittenberg geology major is eligible. Proposals should be submitted to the Geology Department chair and will be evaluated by faculty members of the department. Proposals include the study’s purpose, objectives, method of study, expected results, a preliminary bibliography, and time table for completion. The project must have the written approval and be under the supervision of at least one Wittenberg Geology faculty member. Awards are typically in the amount of $1800 to $2000. The Thomas Aquinas Gerrard Endowment Award in Geology Any Wittenberg geology major is eligible for the award. Support for a summer geology field course is contingent upon the student’s acceptance to a credible program. Student research projects supported by this endowment must have the written approval and be under the supervision of at least one Wittenberg Geology faculty member. Normally, the the department will consider evidence of a student’s readiness and preparation for the proposed field experience; indicators such as GPA and courses completed in geology may be considered. Awards are typically in the amount of $1800 to $2000. Student Development Board Summer Research Stipends Additionally, Wittenberg geology majors have successfully competed for awards from the ODNR’s Division of Soil and Water Conservation, the National Speleological Society, the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates, and the Keck Geology Consortium. Helpful Links for Off-Campus Opportunities Information and Directory for Summer Geology Field Camps About the Keck Geology Consortium Keck Geology Consortium Projects: 2010-2011 About the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America GeoCorps America Projects: 2009 and 2010
Summers are an excellent time to do something special for your education in geology. Summer field courses, research experiences, or internships are a good way to explore research interests and careers in geology. On campus and in the immediate region, financial support is available through the Department as well as through the University to compensate you for time spent working in the field or the lab. You can focus on an area of your own interest or on a topic of mutual interest between you and a member of the geology faculty, whether its field or lab oriented. Talk with us about your interests as early as possible.
The Floyd R. Nave Endowment provides awards to encourage and support geologic 
research by Wittenberg students. Funds from the endowment are awarded annually for student research conducted primarily during the summer. Whenever possible, the Geology Department will help defray the costs of expendables.
The Thomas Aquinas Gerrard Endowment provides awards to encourage and support 
geologic field experiences for Wittenberg students. Awards may be used to defray a student’s costs associated with attending a summer geology field program, participating in Geology Department field trips or field seminars, or doing geologic research.
Summer Research Stipends provide support for significant indepen
dent and original student research for outstanding students during the summer at Wittenberg. A vital component of a solid liberal arts education is the opportunity for students to engage in research that is both original and independent of the normal classroom requirements. This program is designed to help encourage such scholarly activity by Wittenberg students. Stipends are in the amount of $2100 with an additional $250 available to cover research costs.
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