The BGS formed in 2012 when two graduate students in the UCLA Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences department decided that they wanted to supplement the academic geology curriculum for both undergraduate and graduate students. An important element of an education in geology is field work: going outdoors and studying rock formations in person. Thus the organization was started with the goals of 1)
providing additional opportunities for UCLA students interested in geology to learn “in the field” and 2) getting involved in community outreach, in order to teach others about geology and encourage a general appreciation for science and the natural world. Over the past two years, the BGS has been centered on local retreats where students learn about local geology. Though many members are earth science majors, the organization encourages any student interested in geology to join. The BGS has also participated in many outreach events, including visiting local elementary schools and organizing exhibits for the annual UCLA Exploring Your Universe event. Our programming has also been supplemented with involvement by UCLA faculty, graduate students, and industry professionals in the area.
