When: June 12 - July 19, 2022
- Application deadline is February 7, 2022
- International travelers may want to arrive one or more days before the start of the course.
Where: Owens Valley, Caltech, Wrigley Marine Institute
Geobiology 2022 begins with a 14-day field trip to the Mammoth Springs area of the Eastern Sierra, to study hot springs, Pleistocene sedimentary deposits, and the biogeochemistry of beautiful Mono Lake, and to the Panoche Hills in the Central Valley to look at fossilized, Cretaceous-aged methane seeps. The course then returns to Caltech in Pasadena for 10 days of laboratory instruction and hands-on experience with many of Caltech's cutting edge facilities and instrumentation. We finish with 10 days at the Wrigley Marine Center on beautiful Catalina Island, learning from a rotating cast of geobiology instructors and working on project data.
Who: Graduate students and postdocs in geobiology
Geobiology 2022 is open to all graduate students and postdocs interested in pursuing geobiologic research as a career. We expect to admit 16 participants this year via competitive admissions. Preference is generally given to those in the midst of their program, rather than at the very beginning or end. Postdocs with training in other fields who want to work in geobiology are encouraged to apply. Applicants from around the world, including developing nations, are encouraged to apply. Financial aid is available for those with demonstrated need.
The course is conducted in English, and all participants are expected to be at least proficient in English. In 2022 the course will be directed by Alex Sessions, Woody Fischer, and Victoria Orphan. Many other faculty will join us throughout the course as instructors, their names will be announced when available. Course administrator is Julie Lee.
What: Concepts, methods, and connections
Geobiology 2022 has 3 core goals: 1) Teaching students about the ideas and questions that unite scientists from a variety of diverse backgrounds in this interdisciplinary field. Our mission is to provide biologists, geologists, and chemists with the knowledge they need to communicate with each other about geobiologic research at a high scientific level. 2) Exposure to cutting-edge methodologies and analytical instrumentation. Working at Caltech, students will use advanced capabilities for sequencing, microscopy, isotope mass spectrometry, SIMS and NanoSIMS, SEM and TEM, and others. 3) Establish personal connections between established scientists in the field and course participants. These relationships are key to building a cohesive and high-functioning community of geobiologists, as well as expanding the career opportunities of our participants. To this end, many different and diverse visitors rotate through the course.
Why: Training and career development
The Geobiology Course provides a unique training opportunity that will broaden your knowledge and scientific skills, and provide valuable networking opportunities for making connections to scientists in the field. You will also be a part of the well-connected network of course alumni, more than half of whom are now academics in geobiology.
How:
- Course tuition is US$4000 per student, due before the start of the course. Student's should discuss this financial obligation with their advisors before applying. Financial aid is available for students with demonstrated need.
- Travel arrangements to and from the course are the responsibility of participants. The course begins and ends in Los Angeles, CA. Travel during the course will be mainly by van, and is included in tuition.
- Lodging on the field trip will be in motels or condos, at Caltech and Wrigley in student dormitories. All meals are provided, and we are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, etc). Room and board are included in the course fee.
- Accident and health insurance are the responsibility of the participants, and you must provide proof of appropriate insurance coverage. The organizers accept no liability.
- Details of what to bring, what to read ahead of time, etc will be provided directly to course particpants before the start of the course.
