Rick Brazier, associate professor of Mathematics and Geoscience at Penn State DuBois, will take students to South Africa this summer to participate in an eight week field course at the AfricaAffray Geophysical Field School in Johannesburg. Students will be exposed to geophysics field methods, modeling methods commonly used in hydrocarbon, mineral and water exploration, and basic earth science research.
Along with other students in physics, math, engineering and geosciences, the students will begin their journey with two weeks at Penn State’s Research Opportunities program at the University Park campus, followed by a week at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wilts) in Johannesburg, working with students from Wits to design a field project. The journey continues with 10 days at a remote bush camp collecting and interpreting geophysical data, one week back at Wits to interpret and analyze the data, and a two week summation of the project back at University Park.
Brazier, who has been involved with the geophysical field School in Johannesburg since its inception, said, “the students will be exposed to valuable field research experiences, as well as opportunities to combine their research with rich cultural opportunities and sightseeing.”
A total of $8,000 is needed per student for participation. Funding for travel has been provided by grants from Education Abroad, Global Funds, International Programs Travel Grant and local matching funds from the Director of Academic Affairs Office.