Geologic Giants: Northwest Missourii State Students Explore Geomorphism and Environmental Careers at EPA Lab
A recent field trip by geology faculty Dr. Onema Adojoh and Nathan Limbaugh to the Paragon Star Sports Complex in Lee’s Summit, Kansas City, has left 14 NorthWest Missouri State University students with a newfound understanding of geomorphic landscapes and potential career paths in environmental protection.
During their expedition on December 4, the group ventured beyond campus boundaries to examine slope stability and study the geomorphic landscape of the sports complex, which spans from Hertha limestone to Swope limestone. The diverse geological formations present provided an ideal learning environment for students studying geology, geography, and biology.
"It was a great opportunity to see how different rock types, particularly limestone, support slope stabilization and geomorphic processes," Dr. Adojoh noted. Limestone's higher shear strength compared to shale is essential in understanding its role in maintaining road stability, slowing runoff rates, and protecting building infrastructures from collapse due to landslide or cliff failures.
Following their on-site exploration, the students made their way to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lab office in Kansas City for a visit. Guided tours of the technology center provided valuable insight into lab instrumentation analysis equipment and methods used by the EPA professionals in assessing water quality and contaminants.
At this renowned professional hub, Northwestern alumni participated in discussions with geology undergraduate students. The exchange of knowledge facilitated the integration of recent experiences into lectures and academic work at university, providing clarity about potential educational routes in fields such as environmental science and monitoring soil and contaminant degradation using various geological, biological, and chemical tests.
"The experience allowed me to see firsthand what my friends who studied under Dr Adojoh were learning – hands-on methods they would apply throughout their professional lives," said Delaney Harmon, senior Earth Science education major, "EPA visit helped clarify procedures used by the scientists in water testing and soil analysis using basic science techniques."
Emma Maxwell, junior environmental geology major from Affton, Missouri, also appreciated this exposure to a diverse set of professionals whose varied work can be related back to an academic program that explores different environments.
The professional networking event provided Northwestern students with their foot-in-the-door experience into environmental careers and showed them pathways they might consider pursuing after graduation.