The Department of Earth Science offers much more than academics. The department works to provide a friendly atmosphere for all students. Undergraduate students play a visible and important role in the department, both in departmental research and life. The relative small size of the department also helps graduate students to have regular access to their advisors, and collaboration with other professors in the department of earth science, other departments on campus, and outside investigators is encouraged. We feel strongly that these factors make our department a unique and exceptional opportunity for outstanding students interested in undergraduate study in earth sciences.