GeoCareers is one of GSA's top initiatives for helping students and early career professionals cultivate a fulfilling career path.
A dedicated event focused on career exploration and professional development, featuring workshops, mentor roundtables, and panel discussions designed to help students and early career professionals navigate career pathways in the geosciences. Sign up under “Ticketed Events” when you register for Connects. Cost: $20 (lunch included).
Sunday, 11 October | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Everyone registered for GSA Connects 2026 is welcome to attend these GeoCareers events. These events will all be held in the GeoCareers Corner in the Colorado Convention Center.
Sunday, 11 October
Monday, 12 October
Tuesday, 13 October
GeoCareers sessions focus on education, professional development, and career exploration within the geosciences. These offerings deliver practical skill-building opportunities, insights into career pathways across sectors, and guidance from experienced professionals.
Date: Sunday, 11 October
Time: 9–10:30 a.m.
Presenters: Nancy Riggs, Robinson Cecil
Description: Want to publish your research but not sure where to start? GSA Editors Nancy Riggs and Robinson Cecil will share expert tips on writing, submitting, and succeeding in the peer review process.
Date: Sunday, 11 October
Time: 11 a.m.–noon
Presenters: Owen Madsen, Cody Kirkpatrick
Description: Science outreach is a great opportunity for geoscientists to connect their research to local communities, practice communication skills, and introduce the next generation of students to developing interesting science disciplines. ‘Tree Time’ is an outreach activity that explores geologic applications of dendrochronology at Indiana University’s Science Fest. This short course focuses on key lessons learned from leading and iterating four successive years of ‘Tree Time’. It aims to provide structure and guidance for participants through group activities and collaboration to make a science outreach activity catered to their research specialties.
Date: Sunday, 11 October
Time: 1:30–3 p.m.
Presenters: Lauren Haygood, Todd Halihan
Description: Scientists have a critical role in society by connecting policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public around societally relevant issues. This short course introduces scientific refereeing as a framework for contributing authoritative, policy-relevant science while maintaining professional neutrality and credibility. Participants will explore distinctions among refereeing, advocacy, and expertise; examine ethical and practical challenges; and practice communication strategies to clearly convey evidence, uncertainty, and scientific agreement without promoting specific policy outcomes. Through discussion and scenario-based exercises, this course equips scientists to engage effectively with policy and public audiences while preserving scientific integrity and public trust.
Date: Monday, 12 October
Time: 9–10:30 a.m.
Presenters: Luke Howard, Lilja Balaji, Dr. Margaret Yacobucci
Description: Interested in geoscience outreach but not sure where to start? Join us for this workshop designed to help early career scientists (students, postdoctoral scholars, and others) understand the factors that shape effective science outreach and develop strategies for designing their own outreach programs. Participants in this session will: 1) explore both standard and perhaps surprising forms of outreach, 2) actively practice science communication skills with diverse audiences, and 3) discuss their own outreach experiences and activity ideas with peers and experts. At the end of the session, participants will leave with a portfolio of sample outreach activities and guides.
Date: Monday, 12 October
Time: 11 a.m.–noon
Presenter: Patrick Thomas Williamson
Description: Geochemists are employed by government, academia, exploration companies, mining companies, and consulting firms to evaluate the current or potential impacts of mine waste on the environment. This session will provide an overview of what mine waste geochemists do, educational requirements, the range of disciplines and duties within mine waste geochemistry, and opportunities with different types of employers. Several case studies will be presented from academia, the USGS, and consulting firms.
Date: Monday, 12 October
Time: 1:30–3 p.m.
Presenter: Daniel J. Soeder
Description: The mainstream public is experiencing the predicted effects of anthropogenic climate change. Climate denial from the fossil fuel industry and falsehoods repeated by those with political agendas have left people confused by contradictory messages. The intended audience for this session is Earth scientists who are often asked about climate change and may struggle to explain it. On a basic level, the concepts behind anthropogenic climate change are not complicated. We understand the problem and know what needs to be done to stabilize the climate. Support from a well-informed public is required.
Date: Monday, 12 October
Time: 3:30–5 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Linda Barnum
This session presents Climate Psychology as an essential competency for geoscientists who directly witness environmental transformation and escalating hazards driven by climate change. Drawing on guidance from the American Psychological Association (APA), the program translates climate mental health research for geological professionals. Participants develop skills to recognize and respond to climate distress, moral injury, and anticipatory grief while strengthening resilience in themselves and their students. Integrating insights from evidence-based mily Systems and trauma resolution, the course examines how personal history and professional identity shape responses to climate realities, offering practical tools for sustaining well-being and ethical leadership in geoscience.
Date: Tuesday, 13 October
Time: 9–10 a.m.
Presenters: Rachel Phillips, Cate Larsen, Bryan Castillo, Cameron Fetter, Luisa Hendry
Description: Join Cate Larsen (@GroovyGeologist), Rachel Phillips (@GeoGirl), Luisa Hendry (@ScottishGeologist), Bryan Castillo (@EarthquakeGeologist), Cameron Fetter (@Seismo_Cam), and other social media geoscience communicators to learn best practices in communicating geoscience to the general public. This workshop will include interactive components during which you will practice communicating your own research. We will also have discussion portions focused on the importance of geoscience communication for professional development, career growth, and addressing the biggest issues facing geoscience today, such as the spread of misinformation in the media and public mistrust in science.
Date: Tuesday, 13 October
Time: 11 a.m.–noon
Moderator: Macie Schiller
Description: Learn about the GSA Section Undergraduate and GSA Graduate Research Grant Programs, which provide valuable funding support for student research across the geosciences. This session will outline the application process and eligibility criteria, and provide tips for strengthening your proposal, while also highlighting the impact of these grants on student research. A panel of past recipients will share their experiences and advice, followed by a Q&A where you can ask questions and gain insight into making the most of these opportunities.
Date: Tuesday, 13 October
Time: 1:30–3 p.m.
Moderator: Ester Sztein
Description: Graduate school is rarely a straight line. Whether you're facing a research dead-end, a difficult dynamic with your advisor, or the unique challenges of navigating academia as an international student, feeling stuck is a near-universal experience—but it doesn't have to be a permanent one. This panel brings together diverse voices to share hard-won strategies for pushing through stalled research, writing your thesis or dissertation when you hit the inevitable snags, building productive mentor relationships, and finding your footing when the academic environment feels overwhelming. Come ready to listen, ask questions, and leave with concrete tools you can put to work immediately. No matter where you are in your graduate journey, this session is for you.
GSA Meetings offer a range of opportunities for students and early career professionals that provide valuable experience, resources, and professional development.
Funding is available to support student travel to GSA Connects 2026 in Denver, Colorado, USA.
Student volunteers earn free registration and get a behind-the-scenes look at the meeting.
Regional connections, local geology, and career-building opportunities closer to home.
Fresh job postings and employers actively hiring on-site at Connects.
