Geology changes region to region. No two places will have the same construction.

Brooke Benz, a geology student, knows this firsthand.

She spent May 20-June 26 in a field camp class through Illinois State University under Dr. David Malone, university professor of geology.

Field camp allows geology students to get hands on experiences.

About field camp

Benz travelled with the class to Wyoming and South Dakota.

She learned how to identify rock units, use new tools and how to make a field camp effectively and efficiently.

She heard from guest lecturers and was able to map the area, including faults and major landside detachment zones.

Benz feels like she is a better-rounded geologist because of the experience. She also feels like she knows more about what a geology job could look like after graduation.

“Field camp was a great experience,” Benz said. “It taught me how to be in the field, get all the data that is needed, and it applied everything I learned.”

Dr. Gary Michelfelder is her adviser.