SEG 2025 Student Chapter Challenge 1: What It Means to Be An Explorer

What does it mean to be a geologist and an explorer? With introductions by Joy Carter, this is the first of three special episodes.  We hear from two individuals with a rich history in geology and exploration, how the industry has changed throughout their careers and their advice to geologists. 

These episodes were top entries from the Society of Economic Geologists’ 2025 Student Podcast Challenge.  The 2026 competition is now underway! Submissions are due August 21, 2026.  For information check out the SEG website 

SEG 2026 Student Podcast Challenge

Chapter 1:  From Field to Verse: Exploration Geopoetry

Universidad Central del Ecuador

Host  Stalyn Paucar 

Cohosts and production Eslendy Zurita and Dálember Vallejo 

Martin Litherland, born in 1945, had a remarkable career as a geologist. After earning his PhD from Liverpool University in 1970 for his research of Dalradian rocks in Scotland, he joined the British Geological Survey. This role led him to explore vast, uncharted regions of Africa, and South America. In Bolivia he ventured into the legendary “Lost World” of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; in Ecuador he led the Cordillera Real Project. His efforts in mapping the Cordillera Real revealed unexpected geological un-Andean features that challenged conventional knowledge. 

He wrote many scientific papers, memoirs, and geological maps, and in 1993, Queen Elizabeth II honored him with the The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Throughout his career, he sometimes felt limited by the formal style of scientific writing, which focuses on data and analysis rather than personal expression. After retiring, Litherland found a new passion in poetry, using it to convey not only his deep connection to geology but also his reflections on various aspects of life.

Chapter 2: From Outcrop to Ore Deposit

University of British Columbia 

Host Maya Saldanha

Welcome to From Outcrop to Ore Deposit, the episode where we dive into the world of economic geology: research, fieldwork, and the people shaping the next generation of geologists.

Maya Saldanha is joined by Dr. Kenneth Hickey, the Director of UBC’s field school and an expert in ore deposit geology. We’ll chat about his journey from working at the Karangahake mine in New Zealand as a fresh grad to running field courses in the Okanagan Valley, in British Columbia, Canada. Ken shares why field-based learning is so important, how geoscience education is evolving, and what it really takes to prepare students for the fast-changing world of mineral exploration.

If you're curious about how geology is taught, what makes a great field school, or how we bridge the gap between academia and industry, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it!

Music is ‘Jamcito - Cumbia Deli’ from Youtube Audio Library

Theme music for SEG Discovery to Recovery is Confluence, by Eastwinds.

Eastwinds

Come join us in Salt Lake City, Utah for SEG 2026, September 30th to October 3rd. 

You can expect world-class technical content, including iconic ore deposits and the geological processes of North American Cordillera. The program balances applied case studies, framework geology, and technological innovation. The conference offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and help shape the future of economic geology. See you there.