Geology Without Borders: The Bohemian Puzzle follows IRES 2025 participants through the Czech Republic and Poland, where New Mexico Highlands University students move across volcanic landscapes, shifting terrain, and layers of history written in stone. Fieldwork unfolds through long days of travel, close observation, scattered notes, sample bags, worn paths, and conversations shared across languages and disciplines, as the landscape gradually shifts from backdrop to subject. Just as present though are the moments beyond the outcrops—unfamiliar streets, shared meals, and the subtle adjustments of navigating new cultures together. While geology remains at the center, it is continually shaped by these experiences, revealing not only a deeper understanding of the land, but a broader connection to the people, histories, and perspectives tied to it.
Nestled near the border of Czechia and Poland, this farmhouse-turned pension became a beloved stop for IRES students, surrounded by active and vacant quarries. See the IRES experience through the eyes of local pension owners, whose hospitality became an unforgettable part of the geologists' journey abroad.
IRES’s first graphic designer shares their experience abroad, using visual storytelling to document geology and reshape how research is seen and understood.
This video offers a behind-the-scenes look at glass blowing in the Czech Republic. As artisans work in intense heat shaping molten glass, they often turn to low-alcohol beer as a way to stay refreshed and hydrated throughout the day. Captured during a summer 2025 visit, the video highlights both the skill of the craft and the unique, down-to-earth traditions that make the experience memorable.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine, just outside Kraków, is a historic underground site dating back to the 13th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its tunnels, chambers, and detailed salt carvings, the mine offers visitors a unique look at centuries of craftsmanship. During the summer of 2025, interns explored its cool, cavernous spaces, experiencing firsthand one of Poland’s most distinctive cultural landmarks.
Discover the unique charm of Warsaw and Kraków in this travel video that highlights the character and atmosphere of each city. From Warsaw’s modern energy and rebuilt skyline to Kraków’s historic streets and timeless beauty, this comparison showcases what makes both destinations unforgettable. The journey also includes a visit to the stunning Wieliczka Salt Mine, where intricate underground chambers and sculptures add a truly unique experience just outside Kraków.
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