AKRON, OH- Easton Hitchens, a sophomore geology major, was the recipient of the 2022 J. David Lowell Field Camp Scholarship Award of $2,000 which allowed him to attend The University of Akron’s Geology Field Camp this summer.

The Geological Society of America (GSA) opened the scholarship application for every student in the United States. Although there were 112 applicants, Hitchens was one of 30 students to receive the award.

“Receiving this award is quite the accomplishment for Easton, as this scholarship is highly competitive with many applicants from across the United States, often from larger geology programs and institutions,” said Dr. Andrew Hutsky, assistant professor of earth and environmental sciences. “This speaks both to the abilities of Easton as a student in the geological sciences and to the quality of a Mount Union education. With this scholarship, Easton will be able to attend the summer geology field camp which will tremendously assist him in his goal of graduate studies in geology following the completion of his degree here at Mount Union.”

Hitchens, who wishes to pursue a master's degree in geoscience, would like to one day become a petroleum geologist. The camp runs from May 28 to July 3.

“This experience has been invaluable! I have learned many tips and tricks on how to construct geologic maps, cross-sections, and stratigraphic columns efficiently and effectively. In the coming three weeks I am sure that I will learn quite a few more.” said Hitchens.

Hitchens is grateful for the support system and network he has built at the University of Mount Union.

“The guidance I have received from Dr. Andrew Hutsky and Dr. Mark McNaught has been truly invaluable as they have better helped me visualize my goals and have helped me visualize a clear path to completing these goals,” Hitchens said. “The network of relationships that I have developed over my two years at Mount Union has been of great insight and caring for both parties.”