Beginning and ending in a conference room, the 2024 International Research Experience for Students (IRES) funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) highlighted previous and ongoing investigation with colleagues and scientists from around the world. All four students, professor, and mentor attended the 2024 Volcandpark Conference held by the Czech Geological survey. They participated in several field trips visiting geoheritage sites across the countryside learning about both the historical and geological significance of each location. Dr. Petronis, Terence Garcia, Luke Romero, and Madison Allcorn gave talks discussing their work on past IRES projects or data collected from those past projects.

Crossing Borders: A Journey of Science, Art & Culture 

NMHU Geology

After attending the Volcandpark Conference the IRES team conducted fieldwork throughout the Sudetes Mountains of southwest Poland. Here the team investigated igneous rock from four quarries that expose geochemically similar intrusive rock bodies. One of these sites, Swierki, is the focus of Madison Allcorn’s undergraduate research project. Interested in volcanology, Madison’s investigation utilizes rock magnetism and paleomagnetism to investigate emplacement and possible deformation. With an interest in hydrology, undergraduate Darian Duran collected water samples from various sources including waters such as streams, lakes, and quarries to analyze different water properties across the region.After concluding their field campaign in Poland the team split in up. Dr. Petronis and Darian travelled to northcentral Czechia to collect samples from various field sites with colleague Vladislav Rapprich. The rest of the team visited AGICO Labs, a manufacture of the specialized instruments used by the NMHU Paleomagnetism Laboratory. 

While at AGICO Madison and Luke analyzed samples utilizing instrumentation that is not available at NMHU. After completing their lab work in Brno the team meet back up with Dr. Petronis and Darian and would conclude fieldwork at Měrunice Quarry. On the last leg of the trip the IRES team travelled to the Netherlands and attended the 18th Castle Meeting at Utrecht University. Focused on magnetism in the earth sciences, the meeting allowed for students to attend talks, presentations, and network with peers, colleagues, and professionals from around the globe. Students also presented posters on their previous IRES work and related research.