Research: INVOGE

INVOGE (International Geological Masters in Volcanology and Geotechniques)

Author: Jessica Ball (PhD student working with Dr. Eliza Calder)

WHAT IS INVOGE?

INVOGE is a new program co-sponsored by the University at Buffalo and Michigan Technological University in the United States and Blaise Pascal and Milan-Bicocca Universities in France and Italy.  It aims to provide US and European students with international training in volcanology and geotechniques, in addition to giving them unique exposure to the culture and language of partner institutions across the Atlantic.  Students will gain a dual Master's degree from both the home and exchange institution with an international supplement.

Volcanology is a fast developing area, where a blend of international expertise and local knowledge is vital for a scientist who deals with the complex nature of volcanic systems, and the equally complex societal, economic, and environmental consequences of eruptions.  Geotechniques encompasses applied geology and geological engineering - areas that provide the volcanologist with many of the basic tools necessary for his or her work. Volcanic environments are among the most complex and demanding situations for geotechnical applications, and there is historically a strong link between volcanology and geotechniques.  The four institutes involved in INVOGE have a natural, synergistic blend of both fields.

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM OBJECTIVE?

The objective of the INVOGE study program is to train internationally aware, and mobile research and applied personnel with a broad experience in volcanology and geotechniques.  In order to accomplish this, INVOGE blends existing curricula at the four consortium institutes.  Separately, each institute provides a range of specialised courses closely related to its specific research or professional strengths; students in the INVOGE program have an opportunity to participate in courses at their home institution and abroad.  Together, the combined syllabus provides the student with a broad range of course options that cover the entire breadth of volcanology and geotechniques, building the strongest possible set of choices for an individual study program.

HOW DOES INVOGE WORK?

Each student will spend at least one academic year (2 semesters, or 9 months) on the opposing side of the Atlantic.  US students will spend a major period at either UM-B or UBP and a minor part at the other EU institute, gaining a profound experience of the language and culture of one, and a solid appreciation at the other.  EU students will spend at least one academic year at one main US institute.

The resulting degree is a 2 year dual Master's in Geology awarded by the home and main host institution, with an international degree supplement provided by all four participating institutes that will detail the student’s program of study and provide a clear internationally accredited document for future employers.

WHAT CLASSES ARE AVAILABLE?

Some of the specialized courses available at the consortium institutions are listed below.

  • University at Buffalo – Advanced Physical Volcanology, Extraterrestrial Volcanism, Geologic Hazards and Risks, Advanced Field Methods, Remote Sensing of the Environment
  • Michigan Technological University – Intercultural Natural Hazards, Plate Tectonics & Global Geophysics, Volcano Seismology, Geologic Mapping of Remote Terrain
  • Blaise Pascal – Crustal Melting, Magma Sources and Differentiation, Magma Physics and Experiments, Ascent and Eruption of Magmas
  • Milano-Bicocca – 3D Geomodeling, Advanced GIS Analysis, Active Tectonics and Volcano Tectonics, Assessment of Geological Risks, Volcano Geology

AM I QUALIFIED? HOW DO I APPLY?

This program is intended for incoming graduate students. One goal of the INVOGE program is language immersion; therefore, an acceptable knowledge of English is required for EU students, as all US courses will be taught in English.   US students should have some basic skills in the language of their host institution, but will attend multi-lingual classes in the EU to encourage better comprehension.

Students must be accepted to a Master's program at one of the four institutions participating in INVOGE.  Eligible EU students must be citizens of the EU or third-country nationals who have been legal residents in the EU for at least three years before the start of the outgoing mobility.  Eligible US students must be citizens or permanent residents of the US.  Eligible applicants should also hold a Bachelor's (or equivalent) degree in the geosciences, although highly-motivated non-geology students will be considered if they can prove sufficient background and motivation. 

Successful applicants will be ambitious, motivated, and have excellent recommendations from faculty at their home institution and/or other mentors.  INVOGE involves a commitment to acquiring new language and cultural skills, in addition to geologic study, and students should be prepared to adapt to the standards and expectations of program members outside of their home institutions.

Prospective University at Buffalo applicants should contact Dr. Eliza Calder (ecalder@buffalo.edu). 

Additional contacts:

Dr. William Rose raman@mtu.edu (US coordinator)

Dr. Benjamin Van Wyk De Vries, b.vanwyk@opgc.univ-bpclermont.fr (EU coordinator)

More information can be found online at: http://www.geo.mtu.edu/~raman/INVOGE/Welcome.html.