2026 Advancing Excellence

Dean’s Welcome

Jackson School friends,

I am proud to share this year’s Advancing Excellence, which highlights how your support helps the Jackson School provide an exceptional geosciences education and conduct research that changes lives.

Since becoming dean in February, I have continued to learn a great deal more about the success and momentum at our school. Although I joined the Jackson School of Geosciences faculty in 2011, served as chair of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences for five years, and have worked with colleagues in all three units, the breadth and excellence of our research and educational mission remain hard to fathom and truly awe-inspiring.

One of the most important things I recognize and embrace every day is that you — our alumni, friends and supporters — are essential to propelling us forward. The stories in this issue offer wonderful examples and illustrate your tremendous impact.

Associate Dean for Research Daniella Rempe is developing a simple, affordable outdoor flood alarm that could provide residents and visitors near flood zones with an added layer of protection when the waters rise. Her work, inspired by the tragic July 4 floods of 2025, is moving toward reality with help from the Terry and Elliott Pew Endowed Fund for Research in the Geosciences.

You will also meet alumna Hayley Garza and Associate Professor of Practice Miriam Barquero-Molina, who bonded not only over geology but also through their shared commitment to serving their country. Their story demonstrates the profound difference a mentor can make in a student’s life. Scholarships gave Hayley opportunities to thrive, while support for field education helps Miriam, our field camp director, shape students through experiences in the field.

This issue also celebrates the remarkable career of my dear friend and colleague David Mohrig, who retired after 20 years at the Jackson School. David is one of the finest

geoscientists and most influential educators of his generation. His career demonstrates that groundbreaking research and deep dedication to students do not compete with one another — they strengthen each other. I am sad to see him retire, but tremendously grateful for all he has given the school and the generations of students he has mentored.

You will also read about Stanton and Patricia Ballard, whose endowed scholarship will create opportunities for students for generations to come, and alumnus James McGuire, whose path from geosciences to law, public service and conservation shows the extraordinary range and lasting value of a Jackson School education.

Student support remains one of our highest priorities. That includes undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships and opportunities for students to learn through research and fieldwork. We must support talented young people so they can become the geoscientists the world needs.

On that note, I am deeply committed to improving and modernizing the learning spaces our students depend on. Our students and professors are the best in the world, and they deserve modern classrooms, laboratories and other learning spaces. The truth is, we don’t have them. The Jackson School’s facilities are aging and outdated — a far cry from the modular, bright and flexible classrooms of the 21st century. We are determined to fix that!

In the coming year, you will hear more about our plans to reimagine these spaces and how you can help us build the learning environment our community deserves.

Thank you for everything you do for the Jackson School. Your generosity creates opportunities for students, fuels important research and helps prepare the next generation of geoscience leaders. I am very excited about what we will accomplish together.

Hook ’em!

Danny Stockli, Dean