The goal of the Marathon Geoscience Diversity Enrichment Program (GeoDE) is to enhance the diversity of the geoscience community by supporting and mentoring high-achieving students. The program emphasizes scholarship, research, service, and mentoring.  Marathon GeoDE is funded by Marathon Oil Corporation and led by department faculty. The program provides multiple competitive Ph.D. stipends and undergraduate scholarships, funded research opportunities, and mentoring for and by participants at all levels. This program is intended to enhance a scholarly climate that embraces individual diversity within the Department, at LSU, and within the geosciences profession.

Doctoral Students
The Marathon GeoDE Fellows program seeks outstanding students who have high potential as scholars, researchers, and leaders for LSU’s Ph. D. program in geology. Selection criteria include academic achievement, bachelors or masters degree in geoscience or closely related field, leadership skills, community and/or professional service, and contributions to diversity. Marathon GeoDE Fellows receive a $30,000/year academic-year stipend for three years, full tuition waiver, and $10,000/year for three years to support their research expenses.

Marathon GeoDE Fellows receive mentoring from the Marathon GeoDE faculty director, other recipient Fellows, and their faculty research advisor. Fellows help mentor Marathon GeoDE Undergraduate Scholars and help lead program development and recruiting for Marathon GeoDE as well as other department recruiting initiatives. Marathon GeoDE Fellows must maintain a 3.5 cumulative grade point average and participate fully in the program.

Interested students can apply for a Marathon GeoDE Fellow position if they have been admitted to the LSU Geology Ph.D. program. Applications for graduate admission are available online at www.geol.lsu.edu/graduateadmissions.html. For more information on the graduate admissions process please contact the department’s Graduate Coordinator at heather@lsu.edu.

The selection process for Marathon GeoDE Fellows requires an additional written application and an on-campus visit that will include an interview with a selection committee. This committee will engage in a highly individualized, holistic review of each nominee’s file, giving consideration to all academic and non-academic strengths and achievements, and the ways a nominee might contribute to a diverse educational environment.

For more information and to apply to be a Marathon GeoDE Fellow, please e-mail Laurie Anderson, Marathon GeoDE Program Director: glande@lsu.edu

Undergraduate Students
The Marathon GeoDE Scholars program is for undergraduate students in geology at LSU. Selection criteria include academic performance, leadership skills, community and/or professional service, contributions to diversity, and an interest in a geoscience career. Marathon GeoDE Scholars receive a significant scholarship that is renewable for up to four years. Funds for research costs and research related travel also are available.  Students may select a research opportunity upon admission to the program.

Marathon GeoDE Scholars are mentored by a faculty research mentor, the Marathon GeoDE faculty director, other undergraduate Marathon GeoDE Scholars, and a Marathon GeoDE Fellow (Ph.D. student). After successful completion of one academic year as a Marathon GeoDE Scholar, students will serve as mentors to their fellow undergraduates. GeoDE scholars must maintain a 3.25 cumulative grade point average and participate fully in Marathon GeoDE activities.

Applicants to the Marathon GeoDE Scholars program can either be newly admitted to LSU or a current LSU student. The selection process includes a written application and an on-campus visit that includes an interview with a selection committee. This committee will engage in a highly individualized, holistic review of each nominee’s file, giving consideration to all academic and non-academic strengths and achievements, and the ways a nominee might contribute to a diverse educational environment. For more information and to apply for a Marathon GeoDE Scholarship, please contact Laurie Anderson, Marathon GeoDE Program Director: glande@lsu.edu.