The Future of Geoscience: Your Role in Saving the Earth
Date: April 14, 2025
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Venue: C3, 1st Floor, Room 1009
The School of Mining and Geosciences at Nazarbayev University is delighted to welcome Dr. Lesli J. Wood, Weimer Distinguished Chair and Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, for a compelling guest lecture on the evolving responsibilities of geoscientists in a rapidly changing world.
This talk explores a profound truth: The Earth is not fragile, but our place on it is. Through the lens of geoscience, Dr. Wood will guide us from the Earth’s ancient past into the complexities of its future—unpacking how our understanding of geological processes can shape sustainable solutions for life on the planet. Topics include energy transitions, climate-driven surface changes, natural hazard management, and the geoscientist’s growing role in global sustainability.
Dr. Wood will also reflect on the exciting and critical future of the profession, where next-generation geoscientists will work in extreme environments—from the world’s highest peaks to the deepest oceans and even on other planets. This session is a call to action for students and scientists alike: to engage with the Earth, not just as observers, but as active stewards of its future.
Speaker Biography
Dr. Lesli J. Wood is a leading expert in seismic geomorphology and tectono-sedimentary processes, with decades of research spanning continents and planetary bodies. She holds a Ph.D. in Earth Resources from Colorado State University and currently serves as the Weimer Distinguished Chair in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. Her passion for education and sustainability continues to inspire future geoscientists around the world.