Campus, community invited to 2026 Potter Internship Showcase
The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kentucky will celebrate its fifth annual Paul Edwin Potter Internship Showcase 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, in UK’s Mining and Minerals Resources Building. The campus community and public are invited to learn about the wide range of geoscience research conducted by this year’s Potter interns.
The showcase highlights the work of the interns through five-minute lightning talks and research posters — providing an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and guests to engage with emerging geoscience research and the next generation of geoscientists.
The Paul Edwin Potter Internship Program provides students from Kentucky and surrounding states with hands-on research experience alongside KGS scientists and staff. Throughout the 10-week program, interns develop individual research projects while participating in fieldwork, professional development activities and mentoring designed to prepare them for careers in geoscience and related disciplines.
This year’s Potter interns are:
- Jillian Bales, Ohio University
- Mamie Clark, University of Kentucky
- Noah Jennings, Western Kentucky University
- Grant Keyton, Western Kentucky University
- Kendall McGarvey, University of Kentucky
- Breana Pollard, University of Cincinnati
Each participant designed and completed an individual research project under the guidance of KGS mentors while contributing to a collaborative research effort at Floracliff Nature Preserve in southern Fayette County. Their work spans a variety of topics related to tufa characterization, hydrological modeling, microbe ecology and landscape stability, landslide elevation changes, landform mapping and flood modeling.
“The Potter internship has given me the chance to develop both professional and technical skills in a safe and welcoming environment, and the experience has deepened my appreciation for geology and earth science,” said Keyton. “Presenting my research project at the showcase is a rewarding way to reflect on — and share — everything I’ve learned.”
The annual showcase gives interns valuable experience communicating scientific research to both technical and general audiences. In addition to highlighting their research accomplishments, the event encourages networking with faculty, researchers and professionals from across Kentucky’s geoscience community.
“I’m excited to present my findings on tributary flooding at the Potter Internship Showcase,” said McGarvey. “This internship has made me a stronger learner, writer and public speaker while helping me grow as both a geologist and environmental scientist.”
The Paul Edwin Potter Internship Program was established in 2022 to honor the legacy of geologist and educator Paul Edwin Potter — whose commitment to mentoring future scientists continues through the program’s emphasis on research, professional development and collaboration. Since its inception, the internship has helped prepare students for graduate school, careers in geoscience and related fields, and continued research opportunities.
