Norely Faz attended GSA Connects as a non-geology major but still found connection and professional inspiration with the help of the OTF program. What was the most impactful aspect of your OTF experience? The most impactful aspect of my OTF experience was being around my peers in similar fields of interest. Seeing the amazing research […]

Before the GSA Connects conference in Denver, I felt slightly aloof from the world of geosciences. My professors, mentors, and classmates are all wonderful people who are hugely successful in their pursuits; however, I felt like I did not completely belong as a person more interested in environmental science. On Saturday at 8 AM, I […]

Meryssa found meaningful exchanges in opportunities such as the mentor relationship provided by OTF. What was the most impactful aspect of your OTF experience? This is a tough question. For me there were a few “most” impactful aspects of my OTF experience. One was hearing the first-hand experiences of established scientists in a very raw […]

Luis found connection and a chance for organized reflection on his geoscience career path, thanks to OTF. What was the most impactful aspect of your OTF experience? One of the most impactful aspects of my OTF experience was being able to interact for the very first time with other geoscientists with shared intersecting identities since […]

OTF offered Jamie a chance to experience a very supportive, encouraging community at GSA Connects while also providing exposure to a wide array of geoscience disciplines. What was the most impactful aspect of your OTF experience? The entire experience was impactful, it was such an eye-opening experience to see how many different areas and topics […]

For Isheka, OTF and connections made with others helped determine steps to take once finishing her graduate work. What was the most impactful aspect of your OTF experience? The most impactful OTF experience was creating a Pathway Map, which gave me a lot of clarity on where I am now, all that I have accomplished, […]

Participating in OTF helped Hy reconnect with a geoscience path. Hearing the stories of others made a significant, inspiring impression on him. What was the most impactful aspect of your OTF experience? Growing up I was told to graduate high school, then college, get a job, get married, and that is that. But hearing the […]

For Etzy, attending GSA Connects with an OTF scholarship was a defining moment in her professional and academic development. What was the most impactful aspect of your OTF experience? The most impressive thing was being part of a community in which I learned that we are all connected by our stories and that each of […]

After his OTF participation, César A. Bucheli Olaya wants to inspire future generations of earth scientists as he was inspired by his mentor. What was the most impactful aspect of your OTF experience? For me, the most impactful aspect of my OTF experience was becoming aware that your culture, background, and identity have the power […]

“On To the Future (OTF) creates shared joy, and a more certain future, for OTF Scholars, OTF Mentors, and GSA overall. The joy is generated the moment new OTF Scholars step into the GSA Annual Meeting space and begin to recognize what they are a part of …scientifically, personally, and through enduring opportunities to contribute […]