About Us

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at Colorado School of Mines is:

To discover and disseminate knowledge for society through compelling research, excellence in teaching and engaging outreach by creating a welcoming and vibrant community that cultivates critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and integrity.

Vision Statement

Our departmental vision is: 

To contribute to discovery, understanding and education in geoscience to intelligently engineer Earth’s resources.

 

We have established the following basic aspirational and demonstrated values:

Experience:  We deliver a unique educational experience in the classroom, laboratory and the field.  

Discovery:  We encourage creativity and celebrate insights in research.   

Excellence:  We expect rigor and diligence in our work, honesty and accountability in our actions, and we embrace professional growth.   

Compassion:  We treat others with respect, seek out diverse thought and support each other’s willingness to take risks. 

Enthusiasm:  We foster a positive friendly atmosphere, and lead with optimism.   

Teamwork:  We work together and collaborate to achieve results that we cannot accomplish individually.

Diversity, Inclusion and Access (DIA)

Diversity, Inclusion and Access are critical components of a healthy, thriving department and we are committed to this effort. The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering (GGE) is a community that welcomes and supports diversity in all of its forms, and we strive to foster an inclusive environment that respects different ways of thinking and being. We are also invested in enhancing access to the curricular and co—curricular opportunities that are offered in GGE.

Geology and Geological Engineering LinkedIn Page

External Sources for Student Funds

Geology and Geological Engineering Student Organizations

AAPG logo

AAPG

American Association of Petroleum Geologists

President

Eric Strautberg
stautberg@mines.edu

Vice President

Leiser Silva
lsilva@mines.edu

Treasury & Secretary

Ken Imurai
wittayaimurai@mines.edu

Advisor

Steve Sonnenberg

AEG logo

AEG

Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists

President

Lauren Guido
laurenmiller@mines.edu

Logistics Officer

Hayden Jacobson
jacobson@mines.edu

Advisor

Paul Santi

SEG logo

SEG

Society of Economic Geologists

President

Aaron Adsit
aadsit@mines.edu

Advisor

Zhaoshan Chang

The Department at a Glance

U.S. News & World Report ranking 28 out of 209

Research Faculty members

$5.5M

Annual Research Awards Funding for 2021

Academic and Teaching Faculty

Graduate Students

Undergraduate Students

  • #12 in Geology from the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Ranking
  • Four large research centers
  • Cutting-edge laboratory infrastructure
  • Geological engineering program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • High placement rates in industry, academia and government
  • Loyal and generous alumni and supporters
  • Collaborations with research institutes and universities worldwide
  • Research partnerships with the U.S. Geological Survey and Colorado Geological Survey
  • One of the best geology museums in the country
  • The most comprehensive ore deposits collection in any U.S. educational institution
  • Geology trail on campus (BOB WEIMER TRAIL), including a National Park Service designated fossil area