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9-8 Establishment of Mineralogical Society of America (MSA) Student Chapters

Session: Early Career Investigators in Mineralogy and Crystallography

Presenting Author:

Laura Breitenfeld

Authors:

Breitenfeld, Laura B.¹, Jaret, Steven², Benbow, Ann³, Penniston-Dorland, Sarah C.⁴

(1) Geosciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA; Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, Arizona, USA, (2) Earth and Environmental Sciences, Kingsborough Community College, Brooklyn, New York, USA, (3) Mineralogical Society of America, Chantilly, Virginia, USA, (4) Geology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA,

Abstract:

The Mineralogical Society of America (MSA) conducted a student chapter pilot program in the 2024-2025 academic year. We are working to ramp up our efforts, establishing collaborations with additional educational institutions. We aim to provide educational support outside of traditional classroom settings while building interest in the field of mineralogy.

What is an MSA student club/ chapter? An MSA student chapter is a group of students, faculty mentor(s), and others who are interested in learning more about minerals and mineral-based careers. It is an organization that gets together 2-3 times per term for activities and geo-social events. A club can receive funding from MSA for activities such as field trips, career panels, and other events. This is an excellent way to have fun, explore interesting career paths, and interact with other students and professionals locally, nationally, and internationally. We will also provide virtual events where students can interact with each other across different student chapters.

Every MSA student chapter needs 1-2 mentors. Mentors are faculty or other geoscience professionals with interests and expertise in mineral-based sciences. The clubs will be largely student-run, with elected officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer). The role of the mentor(s) is to provide logistical support (including acting as a liaison with MSA), continuity, and networking opportunities. Because MSA has not previously had student clubs, mentors are essential for getting this initiative started.

During the 2024-2025 academic year, a student club pilot program was tested. Potential student chapter mentors were approached at ten institutions. Two clubs completed activities throughout the academic year. MSA funds were disbursed to one of the clubs for a weekend fieldtrip to visit a mine and other stops of geological/mineralogical interest. Up to $500 are available for each student chapter per year. This academic year (2025-2026), we intend to fully register, run, and support roughly ten student chapters.

We aim to foster a supportive educational network for students interested in mineralogy within and across different educational institutions. We are open to community feedback, and we look forward to your involvement. For more information or to register your student chapter, please see the MSA website or contact the authors of this work.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-10911

Establishment of Mineralogical Society of America (MSA) Student Chapters

Description

Session Format: Oral

Presentation Date: 10/19/2025

Presentation Start Time: 10:10 AM

Presentation Room: HBGCC, 214D

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