Postcards from the Field

Mauricio Espinoza

Assistant Professor

Universidad de Concepción

Structural geology, Basin Analysis, Geo-Thermochronology

 Fieldwork has always been central to my research, and this experience in the Chilean Principal Cordillera was truly inspiring. From the moment I learned about the opportunity, I knew I wanted to be part of it. As a structural geologist, I have spent years studying this mountain range, yet joining an interdisciplinary and international team provided fresh perspectives in unexpected ways.
      One of the most rewarding aspects was engaging with researchers from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique insights. Questions I had been considering for years took on new dimensions, and collaborative discussions sparked fresh ideas, prompting me to reassess familiar structures with renewed curiosity.
      Beyond the scientific benefits, the camaraderie among participants made the experience even more meaningful. Despite the usual logistical challenges of fieldwork, everything was well-organized, and the welcoming atmosphere fostered valuable exchanges.
      This experience reinforced my belief that some of the biggest questions in geoscience—those at the intersection of different processes—are still waiting to be explored. I left the field with a deeper appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration and a renewed drive to pursue these ideas in my research.

Morgan Adamson

Graduate Student

University of California, Santa Barbara

Geochronology, Tectonics, Structural Geology

I am Morgan Adamson, a first-year PhD student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, specializing in collisional tectonics through high-precision petrochronology. Participating in the SZ4D Chile Field Trip was an invaluable experience and simply a dream come true. As a first-year graduate student, I initially questioned whether I belonged on such a prestigious and interdisciplinary trip. However, thanks to the incredible mentorship of our trip leaders and the support of accomplished participants, I found a strong sense of belonging among my peers through a positive learning environment fostered by all.
Learning in real time from experts in their respective fields while surrounded by world-class geology was an unforgettable experience that significantly enriched my geoscience education and professional growth. This trip reinforced my passion for field geology and helped me clarify the kind of geologist I aspire to be. Witnessing Earth's dynamic landscapes and absorbing the energy of others’ enthusiasm for the natural world renewed my sense of purpose and direction in my career.
Beyond deepening my understanding of geological processes, this experience also expanded my thinking about the Earth's evolving systems. It challenged me to shift my perspective toward broader-scale processes that control deformation and to appreciate the diverse ways stress and collision are accommodated. As a field geologist primarily focused on hard rocks, I gained a newfound appreciation for geomorphological expressions that hint at a region’s deeper tectonic history—an aspect I had never fully acknowledged before. This insight will undoubtedly enhance my ability to interpret the field more holistically.
Looking ahead, I hope to carry forward the knowledge, connections, and inspiration gained from this trip. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such brilliant participants, many of whom I admire and look up to. Their guidance and camaraderie have played a pivotal role in my growth as both a researcher and a geologist, and I look forward to applying these insights in my ongoing work.

Chelsea Mackaman-Lofland

Assistant Professor
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Structural Geology & Tectonic