IRES 25 - Geology Without Borders (The Bohemian Puzzle)

Expanding Scientific Discovery Through Global Collaboration

The International Research Experience for Students (IRES) connects NMHU and partner-university students with geologists in the Czech Republic and Poland, giving them the opportunity to build advanced research skills through immersive international field and laboratory work. Each year, a cohort of five students engages in cutting-edge geologic research while gaining cultural, scientific, and professional experience that will shape their future careers.

IRES focuses on tackling major questions about how volcanic and magmatic systems form. Traditional models often view the upper portions of these systems as simple, but the IRES team is testing a new hypothesis: that volcanic feeder systems evolve through multiple, time-transgressive magma injections moving vertically and laterally. Insights gained from this research will improve our understanding of magmatic flow, sub-volcanic deformation, mineralization, and the internal structure of volcanic-plutonic complexes.

The Essential Role of Media Arts

A dedicated Media Arts team plays a critical role in the success and impact of IRES. These students work alongside geologists to document the research process through photography, videography, and design. Their work captures each stage of the journey—pre-trip planning, international travel, fieldwork in rugged landscapes, collaboration with local scientists, and the cultural experience of working abroad.

But their contribution goes far beyond documentation. Media Arts students translate complex scientific concepts into visuals and stories that make the research understandable and compelling to the general public. They help convey why this work matters: how studying ancient volcanic systems informs hazard assessment, resource management, and our broader understanding of Earth’s evolution. Without this storytelling component, much of the program’s scientific impact would remain inaccessible to non-specialists.

Through their creative communication, the Media Arts team connects science with society—bridging the gap between research and public understanding.

Why Continued Funding Matters

Continued support for IRES ensures students from diverse backgrounds can access transformative international research opportunities. It strengthens global scientific partnerships, advances geologic knowledge, and builds a pipeline of future scientists and creative communicators. By investing in both STEM and Media Arts, the program demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration enriches research and expands its impact.

Sustained funding keeps this unique, collaborative model alive—allowing the next generation to discover, document, and share the story of Earth’s dynamic processes.