Boulder, Colo., USA: The Geological Society of America (GSA) is pleased to announce that, in honor of Dr. Paul E. Potter, it will increase the award amount of the J. David Lowell Field Camp Scholarship from $2,000 to $3,000 per recipient, beginning with the 2026 summer field season.
Established in 2019 through the generosity of J. David Lowell (1928–2020), a renowned field-based mineral exploration geologist, the J. David Lowell Field Camp Scholarship has supported at least 20 students pursuing summer field camp experiences. While tuition represents a significant portion of the cost, field camps often entail additional expenses such as travel, lodging, and specialized equipment. GSA recognizes field camp as a foundational component of geoscience education and is committed to supporting students as they enter this critical stage of professional development.
Field camp provides an immersive, hands-on learning environment in which students apply classroom knowledge to real-world geological settings. As a common requirement across geoscience programs, it is often where students develop essential skills that are difficult to replicate in traditional academic settings, including disciplined observation, spatial reasoning, data collection, and problem-solving under real-world constraints. These experiences play a vital role in building professional confidence and identity, preparing students for careers across academia, government, and industry.
This increase in scholarship support was informed by engagement with the Friends of Field Camp, whose advocacy has helped highlight rising costs and access barriers associated with field-based training. In response, GSA continues to strengthen its support for students and programs by improving access to information about affordable field camp options and scholarships, and by elevating awareness of the enduring importance of field skills to workforce preparation and program sustainability.
J. David Lowell’s commitment to advancing geoscience education continues through programs and opportunities supported by GSA. Paul E. Potter (1925–2020) was an influential sedimentologist whose research, books, and editorial leadership shaped sedimentary geology and were closely associated with GSA journals, Special Papers, and scientific meetings. GSA is proud to honor the legacies of these two distinguished scientists by expanding support for the next generation of field geologists.
The application portal for Summer 2026 will open on January 19, 2026, and close April 10, 2026. Learn more at https://geosociety.co/4pIiaVM.
About the Geological Society of America
The Geological Society of America (GSA) is a global professional society with more than 17,000 members across over 100 countries. As a leading voice for the geosciences, GSA advances the understanding of Earth's dynamic processes and fosters collaboration among scientists, educators, and policymakers. GSA publishes Geology, the top-ranked geoscience journal, along with a diverse portfolio of scholarly journals, books, and conference proceedings—several of which rank among Amazon's top 100 best-selling geology titles.
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