Eberly News

Before he was rafting 40 miles down a river in Alaska and sailing in the South China Sea, West Virginia University student Ben Johnson was an engineering major at Michigan State University. However, he quickly realized that engineering was not for him. Recognizing the combination of taking an introductory geology course and his love of being outside, Johnson knew a geology major would be the right fit for him. 

After completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Michigan State University, Johnson enrolled at WVU to pursue a Ph.D. in the Department of Geology and Geography in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

WVU geology student researching “world of the past”

Before he was rafting 40 miles down a river in Alaska and sailing in the South China Sea, West Virginia University student Ben Johnson was an engineering major at Michigan State University. However, he quickly realized that engineering was not for him. Recognizing the combination of taking an introductory geology course and his love of being outside, Johnson knew a geology major would be the right fit for him.

Geology grad receives GeoCUR Award for Outstanding Research

Geology grad receives GeoCUR Award for Outstanding Research

Alumna Holly Pettus (BS Geology, 2018) is among 15 undergraduate students from universities across the nation to be recognized for her outstanding research with the 2018 GeoCUR Award for Excellence in Student Research. Her research focused on investigating the origin of potassium feldspar (K-feldspar) megacrysts from a small granitoid intrusion in western Nevada. 

Among the lions and zebras in Tanzania in the summer heat, a West Virginia University environmental geoscience student explored the geography of the land. 

Weirton, West Virginia, native Francesca Basil (BA Environmental Geoscience, 2018) traveled to the East African country with support from the Eberly College of Arts and Science’s Academic Enrichment Program.

Environmental geoscience student explores Tanzania through Eberly College Academic Enrichment Fund

Environmental geoscience student explores Tanzania through Eberly College Academic Enrichment Fund

Kassandra Colón, a junior triple majoring in Latin American Studies, Geography and Women’s and Gender Studies, is an influential figure in creating a more inclusive and welcoming experience for students from underrepresented groups at West Virginia University. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native is the former executive director of diversity for the Student Government Association, has developed a microaggression training at WVU for the New Student Orientation staff, serves as an emeritus board member for The Women’s Debate Institute, is an intern for Title IX and is the project organizer for Project La Resolana, an initiative that donates books to students of color at the Miami Urban Debate League. Colón talked with us about the inspiration for her involvement at WVU and her plans for the future.

Emerging scholar adds momentum to diversity initiatives at WVU

Kassandra Colón, a junior triple majoring in Latin American Studies, Geography and Women’s and Gender Studies, is an influential figure in creating a more inclusive and welcoming experience for students from underrepresented groups at West Virginia University. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native is the former executive director of diversity for the Student Government Association, has developed a microaggression training at WVU for the New Student Orientation staff, serves as an emeritus board member for The Women’s Debate Institute, is an intern for Title IX and is the project organizer for Project La Resolana, an initiative that donates books to students of color at the Miami Urban Debate League. Colón talked with us about the inspiration for her involvement at WVU and her plans for the future.

Kathy Benison

WVU geologist receives NASA grant to research environments similar to Mars

Is there life on Mars? One WVU researcher is discovering ways to improve the search for life on the desert planet.

Samantha Godbey

Debate Team director reflects on time at WVU

Samantha Godbey’s interest in the West Virginia University Debate Team sparked before she became a student when she spotted her coworker in a debate team t-shirt at a camp she worked at the summer before her freshman year.

Caitlin Ahrens

WVU geology, physics alumna named Outstanding Young American

The United States' division of  Junior Chamber International has named West Virginia University alumna Caitlin Ahrens one of its 2018 Ten Outstanding Young Americans. Ahrens will be honored at the organization's 80th annual black-tie awards ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 29 in Denver.

2018 Phi Beta Kappa inductees

WVU’s Phi Beta Kappa inducts 2018 class

The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University is pleased to announce the induction of its 2018 class of scholars into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society for the arts and sciences. 

Lawrence Georgiana

Four WVU, Eberly College students to study abroad as Boren scholars

Four West Virginia University students have been awarded the prestigious Boren Scholarship and will spend a year immersed in the language and culture of countries that have been identified as critical to U.S. interests.

Brent McCusker

WVU geographer helps prepare for internal climate migration through new World Bank report

Internal climate migrants are rapidly becoming the human face of climate change, according to a new report from World Bank