The University of North Georgia’s (UNG) Lewis F. Rogers Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis (IESA) hosted several workshops and presentations during the month of June for K-12 teachers and students. 

Teacher workshops began June 10 with an introduction to IESA and lasted through June 14. Each day ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with up to five activities each day and field trips to the Elachee Nature Center, Cherokee Bluffs Park and the Vulcan Materials Friendship Quarry.

The project-based learning workshops were created to help teachers awaken student interest in STEM fields like Oconee County High School biology and Earth science teacher Al Yauck.

"We got to do a lot of hands-on activities that would work well in high school classrooms and it was broadfield so no matter what high school science you teach you could incorporate these earth science activities into your classroom," Yauck said. 

Students attended UNG June 17-28 in a student research program, the Shadowing Research and Mentoring Program (SRMP), aimed at STEM high school students, involved geoscience research using various geospatial technologies. For Gainesville High School senior, Lesly Arellano, this wasn’t the first time experiencing SRMP. Having attended in 2023, Arrellano said she noticed several positive changes. 

"This year was different, but I think mainly because there were new people," Arellano said. "We also focused more on GIS and my teammates and mentors brought more ideas. It was really fun, and everyone brought positive attitudes and my mentors pushed me to learn." 

Another student who attended was Dacula High School senior Maimouna Diallo, who is heavily involved as a member of the JROTC, STEM program and DECA. Despite all her extracurriculars she was shocked just how much she was able to grow. 

"In just two weeks, I was impressed by the way they explained geoscience and now I’m considering it for my college experience," Diallo said.  

Dr. Katayoun Mobasher, geology and GIS professor, was grateful to have the student participation. 

"Our observation and survey data demonstrate that exposing students to research opportunities, which they have not encountered in their high school settings prior to graduation, significantly influences their future career decisions," Mobasher said. " The UNG GEOPAths project team feels very fortunate to serve such an exceptional group of teachers and students with this unique offering. They look forward to seeing the benefits of this project for years to come."