We are pleased to announce a new partnership between EarthScope Consortium and the Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience (SAGE). Funding from the NSF National Geophysical Facility (operated by EarthScope) will allow these two organizations to work together to further geophysics field education and workforce development. The partnership was recently formalized in an MOU, which highlighted both organizations’ long histories of developing the next generation of geophysicists through experiential learning.

Emerging geophysicists often face a shortage of field experience opportunities, making it difficult to develop essential workforce skills. The partnership will strengthen both organizations’ abilities to meet this need. The NSF NGF will help fund SAGE’s yearly summer field program and provide support for technical advice, instrumentation access, data archiving, and instructional activities. EarthScope will gain insights into the long-running success of SAGE’s award-winning program that can be leveraged in other NSF NGF programs.  

SAGE, a non-profit educational program providing hands-on geophysics field education, has operated the immersive summer program in the Jemez Mountains near Santa Fe, New Mexico since 1983. Faculty from academia, mining, oil & gas, and government agencies have trained over 1000 students to date in field work, data processing & analysis, and interpretation of a wide range of geophysical methods. Participants have typically ranged from undergraduate students to advanced PhDs, most of whom go on to successful careers in geophysics. EarthScope is excited to contribute to SAGE’s legacy while also learning from the organization’s relationships with geotechnical industry and government collaborators.

This year’s in-person program began on June 14 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Follow partnership news on our website and social media.