Chair’s Welcome

Geosciences are unique in that they are, by definition, a global endeavor: our laboratory is the world and beyond. Today, Geosciences are more relevant than ever as we are dealing with critical global issues ranging from climate change, natural hazards, and sea level rise to energy and mineral resources. Simultaneously, the Geosciences are experiencing an amazing revolution in terms of analytical and computational capabilities, allowing us to make unprecedented observations from microscopic to global and planetary scales. Geosciences are truly at the intersection of a number of scientific fields, and there is a critical need for integrative, transformative, and convergent science and education. Opportunities for geoscientists, particularly future geoscientists, are essentially unlimited, with important roles to be played in both basic and applied research. For those who like the idea of a scientific career that allows them to explore the world and make a living while also making a difference, then the Geosciences just might be a perfect fit.

The mission of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the Jackson School of Geosciences is to advance our understanding of the Earth and to educate the next generations of geoscientists. Faculty and students in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences are involved in numerous international research projects and collaborations, building connections and skills to tackle the big problems. Indeed, geoscience is foundational to the solution of some of society’s greatest challenges, including climate change impacts and the challenge of resourcing a growing global population. Our science is improved by a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences and the holistic ideas we form through open and respectful discussion; at the Jackson School, we welcome students from across the globe.

The University of Texas at Austin has one of the oldest and most prestigious Geosciences programs in the world. U.S. News & World Report has ranked us consistently as a top Earth Sciences program nationally—the only program in Texas with this distinction. And we are one of the country’s largest Geosciences programs, with leadership in all major research areas, from the solid Earth, to surface processes, to climate and environment, to energy. As of the beginning of the 2022-23 academic year, we have 45 faculty members. We are one of the most prestigious academic geosciences communities in the world and are driven by the goal of providing the best possible education and research opportunities in the Earth Sciences.

What starts here changes the world and helps us understand it! Hook ’em!

Danny Stockli, Chair
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Jackson School of Geosciences