The Geology Departments of Bryn Mawr College, Bucknell University, Lafayette College, and Lehigh University have successfully formed a consortium fostering undergraduate geologic research. Important research opportunities in Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas in subjects as diverse as tectonics and hydrogeology are being examined by undergraduates from the four institutions as well as George Washington University. The program is designed to foster cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary studies as students work closely with one or more faculty mentors. The research activities fostered by the Consortium become part of a year-long undergraduate research experience. To fully comprehend how a research problem is conceived and conducted, students generate a proposal, conduct field work, sampling, and/or laboratory studies as appropriate, and periodically report on their research progress. Ultimately they will formally present their results to faculty and colleagues at a Consortium symposium.
