Celebrating the GeoFORCE Class of 2026
May 26, 2026
The GeoFORCE Class of 2026 represents more than a group of graduates. They reflect years of exploration, persistence, and transformation shaped by experiences that began long before college. From middle school presentations to college classrooms, internships, and field sites across the country, their journeys highlight the lasting impact of early exposure, strong community, and sustained support.
For many of these students, GeoFORCE opened the door to new possibilities.
“The moment I went to the presentation about GeoFORCE in middle school, that was the moment everything changed,” Jorge Garcia shared. From that point on, he and many others experienced what he described as “a cascading waterfall of opportunities,” traveling to places they had only seen in textbooks and experiencing them firsthand.
Those moments in the field became some of the most lasting and defining memories. For several graduates, the Grand Canyon stands out, as unforgettable.
“My favorite GeoFORCE memory is seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time,” Alton Dodd said, a sentiment echoed by Jorge, who added that his favorite memory was “going through the Colorado River.” Even when conditions were less than ideal, those experiences left a lasting impression. Tico recalled “20-to-30-mile winds at the Colorado River” and getting drenched during a raft ride, a moment that captures both the challenge and excitement that defines the GeoFORCE experience.
Other moments were quieter but just as impactful. During her 11th-grade trip, Kaylin Hong reflected that standing on Mt. Hood was the moment everything clicked. “That was where I figured out, I wanted to do geology as my major,” she said.
Pictured (left to right): Kaylin Hong, Sofia White, and Heba Dalu.
For Angel Valles, the experience came full circle years later. “I didn’t get to go on the Oregon trip due to COVID, so going back as a counselor and getting to roll down the snow” became one of his favorite memories. For Heba Dalu, the most meaningful moments were rooted in connection. She reflected on the value of “all of my memories and experiences with my students at the Math and Science Institute,” highlighting the relationships that define the program.
That foundation of experience and exposure carried into college, though the journey was not without its challenges.
“At the beginning, it was rocky. Pun intended,” Kaylin reflected. Like many students navigating college for the first time, she faced uncertainty and stepped away for a semester. “When I came back, I rediscovered my love and passion for geology. I just had to realize that I had to put myself out there.”
That decision to re-engage became a turning point, echoing a broader theme shared across the Class of 2026. Growth often came from leaning into community, even during difficult moments. “Not every year has been easy,” Alton added. “But all the GeoFORCE events were always something to look forward to. The support from the GeoFORCE Longhorns really helped me throughout these years.”
That sense of community proved to be one of the most defining aspects of the GeoFORCE experience. Whether through student organizations, career fairs, or mentorship, students found spaces that encouraged them to explore, ask questions, and build confidence.
“I didn’t really go to events my freshman year,” Kaylin shared. “When I came back, I started going to career fairs and org meetings, and that’s what made the community at the Jackson School so amazing.”
For others, that same environment created a sense of resilience and pride. “If you go to The Jackson School and you survive, you can do anything,” Sofia White said.
Through that support system, students were able to pursue opportunities that helped shape their academic and professional paths. Internships, research roles, and leadership experiences became critical steppingstones.
“I got the Chevron internship because of GeoFORCE, which helped me realize what I want to do,” Sofia explained, an experience that led to her next opportunity with Permian Deep Rock Oil Company and her plans to attend law school. Kaylin similarly found her footing through hands-on involvement, from working as a lab assistant to interning with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and traveling to Jamaica through GeoPATHs.
Exposure to industry professionals and real-world applications also played a key role in shaping decisions about the future.
“GeoFORCE is more than just a geology program,” Angel said. “It’s about getting students ready for life after high school. It offers a support system and encourages students to pursue higher education in fields that impact society.” Through conversations with industry specialists, he gained insight not only into geology but also engineering and chemistry. “It helped me decide to pursue chemical engineering,” he shared, a decision that has led to a full-time role with Exxon in Houston.
As graduation approached, many students found themselves balancing excitement with uncertainty.
“I’m feeling excited about having finished four years of hard work,” Jorge said. “At the same time, I’m scared that I’ll soon be going into a much different world. I have unknown future stuff to worry about.” That mix of emotions is echoed across the cohort, as students prepare to step into new environments and responsibilities.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Heba reflected. “Looking back, I don’t think I can fully understand how much I’ve grown until you’re on the other side of it.” As she prepares to continue at UT through a dual master’s program in Public Affairs and Public Health, she carries both confidence and anticipation into what comes next. “It’ll be a big change, but I’m ready for something new.”
Pictured (left to right): Keira Boehle, and Zoya Ahmed.
Despite uncertainty, one thing remains clear. GeoFORCE has equipped these graduates with the tools, perspective, and support systems they need to move forward.
“I feel so happy and privileged to have been a GeoFORCE student,” Kaylin said. “I never would have known geology was something I could pursue.” That sentiment is shared in different ways across the Class of 2026. Whether entering careers in energy, technology, and engineering, or pursuing advanced degrees in law, public policy, and computer science, each graduate carries forward a foundation built through years of opportunity and connection.
Their achievements reflect not only individual effort but the strength of the broader GeoFORCE community. Families, educators, alumni, staff, and partners have all contributed to making these journeys possible. Together, they have helped create pathways that continue to expand access and redefine what is possible for future generations.
As the Class of 2026 steps into this next chapter, they do so not only as graduates but as part of a growing network of GeoFORCE alumni who will continue to lead, mentor, and inspire.
Today, we celebrate their journey, their resilience, and everything that lies ahead.
Hook ’em.
Master’s & Professional Graduates
Amali Corral — Master of Health Administration
Isabel Johnson — M.S., Geological Sciences
Kaela Maldonado Delgado — Doctor of Dental Surgery
STEM Graduates — The University of Texas at Austin
Alton Dodd — B.S., Electrical & Computer Engineering
Jorge Garcia — B.S., Computer Science
Albertico Hernandez — B.S., Mechanical Engineering
Kaylin Hong — B.S., General Geology
Claudette Lopez — B.S., Civil Engineering
Pablo Perez — B.S., Mechanical Engineering
Angelica Reyes — B.S., General Geology
Angel Valles — B.S., Chemical Engineering
Sofia White — B.A., Geological Sciences
STEM Graduates — Other Institutions
Zoya Ahmed — University of Houston — B.S., Biomedical Engineering
Keira Boehle — Willamette University — B.S., Environmental Science
Isabella De Luna — Texas A&M University — B.S., Biology
Cruz Gonzales — Texas A&M University — B.S., Visualization
Luke Langfeld — Texas A&M University — B.S., Kinesiology
Megan Marostica — Columbia University & Trinity College Dublin — B.A., Earth Science
Jesus Mayen — Cornell University — Bachelor of Architecture
Keiera Parker — Rice University — B.S., Civil Engineering
Divya Shukla — Texas A&M University — B.S., Chemical Engineering
Kathryn “Lainie” Stone — Colby College — B.A. Geosciences
Additional Graduates — The University of Texas at Austin
Heba Dalu — B.A., Health and Society
Ileana Fernandez — B.S., Education
Monica Garza — B.B.A., Management Information Systems
Vianey Sanchez — B.S., Bilingual Education and Sociology
