Earth and Environmental Geoscience Department
Earth and Environmental Geoscience offers a highly relevant, integrative, scientific avenue of study for managing our interactions with the environment, providing adequate resources, ensuring the safety of the built environment in the face of natural hazards, and solving the complex history of earth and its continuing evolution. We make extensive use of the extraordinary geology of the Appalachians and other locales around the globe, including Iceland, the Colorado Plateau, Hawai’i, Utah, Belize, New Zealand, and Greece. We offer many research opportunities using scientific computing, field programs, laboratory analyses, and GIS mapping.
Finding Your Path
For Washington and Lee University’s Jack Evans ’25 and Adja Ndiaye ’26, receiving a Gilman Scholarship redefined what was possible during their four years on campus and beyond.
Washington and Lee Welcomes New Tenure Stream Faculty
Twelve faculty members will join new positions during the 2026-27 academic year.
W&L Announces New Fixed-Term Faculty, Fellows and Assistant Coaches
Twenty-eight new faculty and staff members are joining the university this year.
On the Map
This summer, students in W&L’s Summer Research Scholars program are taking an interdisciplinary and interactive approach to environmental studies with ArcGIS mapping software.
Where Geology Meets Public Health
With a grant from the Keck Geology Consortium, W&L’s Madhumita Chakraborty and a team of students tested private wells and springs throughout Rockbridge County to determine water chemistry and quality.
W&L’s Aiden Gray ’27 Awarded Goldwater Scholarship
Gray’s funded research will focus on autonomous oceanographic systems and materials science.
W&L’s Emma Marvelli ’27 Awarded Goldwater Scholarship
Marvelli’s funded research will focus on patterns of groundwater erosion.
In Memoriam: Frederic L. Schwab, Professor of Geology Emeritus
Schwab taught geology at Washington and Lee University for 36 years.
W&L Presents Author and Climate Scientist Michael Mann
The Presidential Distinguished Professor of Earth and Environmental Science from the University of Pennsylvania will discuss his new book, “Science Under Siege,” on March 4.
W&L Exchange: A Campus Resource for Sustainable Sharing
The Exchange connects the university community with free supplies while reducing waste.
W&L Students Win Second Place in Undergraduate Geoscience Poster Competition
The group presented their research at the 2025 GSA Connects Annual Meeting.
Cosmic Connections
W&L students studied samples of moon rocks from NASA to better understand the geological history of Earth, discovering new ways to view the world around them.
Department Info
- P: 540-458-8800
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Earth and Environmental Geoscience Department
204 West Washington Street
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia 24450