GeoFORCE at AGU 2024

December 20, 2024

The 2024 Annual American Geophysical Union (AGU) National Conference was held in Washington D.C. AGU hosts one of the largest global scientific conferences which brings together people of many different backgrounds–scientists and enthusiasts specializing in all areas of Earth science. The AGU24 conference, spanning Sunday to Friday, boasted over 31,000 attendees. Of those attendees this year, several GeoFORCE team members, students, and alumni presented posters and gave talks over the work that they have done in the past year. 

On Monday, two of the GeoFORCE coordinators presented on work they do in the program. Eleanor Cote presented a poster connecting students’ common interests with geosciences on the 12th Grade Research Academy. Jennifer Peña spoke about the importance of surveying students and alumni. Many GeoFORCE alumni, ranging from undergraduates to professionals, also presented their work.

Our 12th grade students arrived on Wednesday to present in the high school session of AGU called Bright STaRS, which stands for “Bright Students Training as Research Scientists”. Students presented on their posters from this past summer’s 12th Grade Research Academy, where they worked alongside researchers and faculty from the Jackson School. We brought along the two groups which placed first and second at the GeoFORCE Symposium, as well as the top two performers in each of the nine research groups. The following morning, the GeoFORCE students shined while presenting their projects!

GeoFORCE student Jaqueline Oliver (McCallum High School) said, “Presenting my group project with my peers was definitely the main highlight of this trip. I had fun collaborating with my friends and appreciated the feedback and interest others showed in our project.”

Although the conference was much larger than any conference the students had attended before, many said they felt much more comfortable and confident presenting at AGU compared to the GeoFORCE Symposium.

Abram Ortiz (Del Rio High School) stated, “Presenting at AGU was quite different as it was less about presenting your information in a competitive manner and focused more on the conversational nature of presenting information with curious and like-minded individuals. I was able to get comfortable with speaking on the topic, and that gave me time to really explain my viewpoint on the subject matter in a thorough manner. I believe it helped me glimpse further into what it means to have the important conversations and bouncing off questions and ideas that happen in the real world of science.”

While at the conference, the students had the chance to explore the poster hall and attend talks to learn about the cutting-edge research happening around the world. They also had the opportunity to wander around the exhibit hall to speak to representatives at different companies and universities. 

“Attending the AGU conference was a surreal experience for me,” said Adrianna Carrier (Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy).

“While I’ve been to conferences in Houston with my school through SEG, the AGU conference was on an entirely different scale in terms of size and diversity. The exhibit hall was particularly impressive, filled with professionals eager to share what they do, why they do it, and how they contribute to their teams whether through research projects, developing products, or driving daily innovation. It was inspiring to see so many people passionate about their work and open to connecting with us.”

Students spent Wednesday and Thursday at the conference, while Friday was reserved for checking out the capital’s popular spots. The group stopped at the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument before exploring the Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum.

When asked how their experience was, students had nothing but positive things to say.

“My experience at the AGU conference was so transformative. It was amazing to be surrounded by such bright and passionate minds all coming together. I am truly thankful to GeoFORCE for providing me with this amazing opportunity! I had so much fun, made lifelong friendships, and expanded my horizons of science,” said Anagha Deepak (Round Rock High School).

Yuxiang Tian (William P. Clements High School) said, “GeoFORCE has increased my interest in UT and inspired me to pursue a minor in geology or even a double major, something I had previously not planned but decided to do after seeing how alive and important the field of geoscience continues to be. I am also inspired to do more research in college involving the geosciences as well. This was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, thank you GeoFORCE and all the amazing counselors that made this happen!”

We are so proud of all our incredible GeoFORCE students and alumni! Remember, the GeoFORCE team is here with you wherever your road may lead. We look forward to seeing all the amazing things our students go on to accomplish.