Opportunities in Geoscience Education and Inclusion in the Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT)
Poster Session Part of
Friday Poster Session
Author
Shannon Fasola, University of Oregon
Great earthquakes (Mw > 8.5) on the Cascadia subduction zone pose a looking threat to the Pacific Northwest region of the US and Canada. Geologic data demonstrating instantaneous land level changes along the coast in Washington and then Oregon provided the first definitive evidence in the late 1980s that active subduction generated the largest imaginable earthquakes. Over the next ~40 years a simultaneous explosion of scientific investigation and societal awareness created an opportunity to establish a scientific research hub to catalyze new research, build and extend partnerships between public, private and government entities and to train and educate the next generation of scientists and citizens. The Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT) was established in 2023 to meet that opportunity. Progress on the challenges facing earthquake hazards research, both in the short- and long-term, requires concerted focus on preparing and diversifying the next generation workforce. The 'Geoscience Education and Inclusion' branch at CRESCENT seeks to build that capacity by providing research and training opportunities for aspiring geoscientists from underrepresented groups. Research and training experiences and summer schools create opportunities for students to participate in subduction zone science, to build skills essential to research, and to position themselves for meaningful careers in science and beyond. This presentation will describe the opportunities for partnerships in education and training afforded by the 'Geoscience Education and Inclusion' branch of the Center's structure.