ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Master's student KeMia Smith has been named the distinguished recipient of the 2024 American Geosciences Institute (AGI) Scholarship for Advancing Diversity in the Geoscience Profession. This prestigious $5,000 scholarship is awarded to support an outstanding underrepresented minority student pursuing advanced studies in geoscience.

 

A recent recipient of a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Smith embarks on her master's journey at the university in Fall 2024. Her research interests include geochemistry and its applications to paleoclimate, contemporary climate dynamics, and climate change mitigation. She hopes to pioneer "high-impact research" that will increase understanding of the planet's natural processes and environment. A member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, Smith aspires to continue her education at the doctoral level, studying the geosciences' relation to fields such as engineering, energy, sustainable planning, and education.

 

"I am extremely grateful to receive such a prestigious scholarship," said Smith. "I believe in the importance of supporting students from underrepresented communities, especially in fields like geology where there is a need for overall increased enrollment. In addition to my education, this scholarship enables me to invest in community initiatives related to science education, mentoring, and volunteering."

 

This one-time, merit-based scholarship invites applications from students who are Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color in the United States studying the geosciences. To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must be entering graduate school for the first time in a recognized geoscience program and self-identify as being of a minority background underrepresented in the geosciences. Applications from undergraduates with less than two semesters remaining in their geoscience bachelor's program are eligible to apply. To learn more, see the AGI Scholarship for Advancing Diversity in the Geoscience Profession.

 

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support a qualified minority student in achieving his or her goal of becoming a professional geoscientist.

 

About AGI
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional organizations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
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Contact:
Geoff Camphire, Communications
gac@americangeosciences.org

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