Engaging the Next Generation of Scientists
Guest Lectures Given at Tennessee State University
USGS geologist Dr. Ben Gutierrez gave a guest lecture in the Environmental Science and Water Resource classes at Tennessee State University in October 2024. He discussed USGS coastal and marine science, as well as the many internship opportunities available through USGS.
On October 16-17, 2024, Ben Gutierrez visited Tennessee State University (TSU), a public historically black university in Nashville, to give a guest lecture in the Environmental Science and Water Resource classes taught by USGS biologist Tom Byl. In his guest lecture, Ben discussed the work the USGS does to understand coastal hazards and to develop and deliver science-based information that can be used by coastal managers. This was a follow-up discussion from his guest lecture at TSU last February. Ben also talked about the importance of internships in exploring career and education options. He discussed the various internship opportunities available through the USGS, with emphasis on Woods Hole based programs, such as the Woods Hole Partnership Education Program and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Summer Student Fellowship.
After giving his guest lecture to the Environmental Science class, Ben accompanied Tom’s students for a short field exercise. At the beginning of the semester, the students had buried multiple pairs of new cotton underwear in eight locations on the TSU campus. Ben joined the class as they dug up each pair and attempted to identify what may have led to the differing rates of decomposition among the sites over the past six weeks.
As part of this trip, Ben also stopped at Fisk University, a private historically black liberal arts college in Nashville, to meet with a Woods Hole Partnership Education Program alum (2024). The Woods Hole Partnership Education Program is a 10-week program designed primarily for college juniors and seniors from underrepresented groups in marine and ocean sciences who want to spend a summer gaining practical experience in marine and environmental science. It’s one of the many internship opportunities available through the USGS.
The USGS is committed to improving diverse representation and equity in science. Opportunities to give guest lectures and attend outreach events to engage with students and early career scientists provides a great opportunity to make connections with the next generation of scientists and spread awareness about the breadth of research conducted at the USGS. These connections help us recruit talented, diverse applicants for USGS internships and beyond.
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