Earth and Environmental Science
Earlham’s Department of Earth and Environmental Science (formerly Geology) provides a firm foundation in how the Earth works, inside and out. We focus on problems of water, mineral and energy resources; geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis; and on deciphering the history of the Earth.
Earth and environmental science classes will lead you to the field and lab, working on real-world problems that prepare you to apply what you learn beyond the classroom in internships, research and life after Earlham.
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Studying the Earth to make a difference
By studying Earth and Environmental Science, you’ll develop the tools and critical thinking skills to navigate the changing world in which we live. You can participate in at least one career-discerning research experience, field training or internship and work with Earlham faculty or scientists at other institutions on research all over the world and on concerns closer to home, including analyzing local drinking water and soil for lead and assessing dam removal on the Whitewater River. We will work with you to find a summer research position, field program, or internship that fits your interests and career goals.
Hands-on research
In the past five years, students have conducted field research with Earlham faculty to study tsunamis in East Africa, Adirondack mountain building, paleoenvironments of Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, coastal processes in Nova Scotia, and assess the risk of a local dam removal.
Internships
Recent students have interned at places including the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, NASA’s Lunar Planetary Institute, Patriot Engineering, the Mammoth Site, Wayne County GIS and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Our faculty
The diverse perspectives of our faculty help prepare science-literate students to tackle the challenges of our changing planet.