Next week, the Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) will celebrate its third year of supporting geoscience student research at the Paul Edwin Potter Internship showcase.

The showcase on Wednesday, July 31 from 9:30-11 a.m. in University of Kentucky’s Mining and Minerals Research Building is an opportunity for the Potter interns to present their summer research projects through five-minute lightning talks and academic posters.

The Paul Edwin Potter Internship Program provides Kentucky university students interested in geoscience and adjacent research areas like geography, public health, data science and engineering the opportunity to get real-world experience and engage in a hands-on research project.

This year, the interns represent the geology and earth science departments of the University of Kentucky, Northern Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University and Morehead State University. Peers, faculty and the UK community are invited to learn about the wide range of geoscience research conducted over 10 weeks this summer in the Red River Gorge area of Kentucky. 

“The showcase is a wonderful opportunity to share your research and create a polished, professional presentation and poster. I am excited to participate and share my work and receive feedback from the Kentucky Geological Survey and UK researchers,” said Madison High, 2024 Potter intern and applied and environmental geology graduate from Eastern Kentucky University. 

Presenting research at the showcase highlights the outcomes of the Potter interns’ student research activities. Each intern chose their own research topic and was guided and advised by a broad range of KGS researchers and staff members. Presentations and academic posters sharpen student presentation skills and lead to increased visibility and networking within the Kentucky geoscience research community. 

“The showcase provides an ideal opportunity to present and discuss your research, particularly for those new to conducting and sharing research, as it offers a more relaxed and supportive environment,” said J.T. Gribbins, 2024 Potter intern and UK senior majoring in STEM education, geological sciences and environmental and sustainability studies. “We’ve had lots of mentoring and development opportunities to learn about making effective presentations and designing quality posters.”