Agrivoltaics, as seen on this German orchard, will be discussed during this year’s Earth Science Week. (Photo provided)
October 07, 2025
SIU’s 2025 Earth Science Week events focus on energy, earthquakes
CARBONDALE, Ill. – This year’s observance of Earth Science Week at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will focus on meeting energy needs in a sustainable way on campus, in the region and beyond, along with increasing awareness of rocks and minerals and earthquakes.
Started in 1998 by the American Geosciences Institute, Earth Science Week is aimed at promoting a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth. This year, Earth Science Week is Oct. 12-18, with the theme “Energy Resources for Our Future.”
SIU activities feature free, public brown bag lunch talks from noon to 1 p.m. in Parkinson Building Room 101F.
Monday, Oct. 13: “Why Do We Need Critical Minerals for Our Modern Life and Where Can We Find Them?” by Liliana Lefticariu, professor in the School of Earth Systems and Sustainability. “Critical minerals are used in technologies essential to modern life, from cell phones to electric cars and solar panels,” she said. “These minerals are considered critical because they possess unique properties, have limited substitutes and are in short supply. In this talk, we will discuss how we can make sure that we and future generations have adequate supplies of them.”
Tuesday, Oct. 14: “Agrivoltaics — An Opportunity to Re-energize Southern Illinois and SIU!” by Ken Anderson, director of the Advanced Energy Institute. "Southern Illinois urgently needs to bring new, clean, electrical generation capacity online as quickly as possible,” he said. “Agrivoltaics, the practice of co-locating farming and solar energy collection, is a very promising approach that can support local farmers while also supplying our communities with the power they need to thrive."
Wednesday, Oct. 15: “AI and Hope for Our Energy Future” by Tobias Merriman, assistant director of the Center for Virtual Expression (CVEX).
Thursday, Oct. 16: On International ShakeOut Day, James A. Conder, director of SIU’s School of Earth Systems and Sustainability, will speak about “Southern Illinois Seismic Activity — It’s Not My Fault!”
Keeping with the earthquake theme that day, STEM Education Research Center staff and volunteers will host Central US Shakeout & Earthquake Exploration Activities in Pulliam Hall Room 108. Participants can learn about Southern Illinois’ earthquake history, potential for future earth-shaking experiences and see the earthquake safety, pre-engineering and plate tectonic model activities shared with more than 2,000 area elementary and middle school students during the last two years. The lab will be open from 9-11 a.m. and from 1:30-4 p.m. An earthquake drill will be held at 10:16 a.m.
Friday, Oct. 17: “Current Plans for SIU’s Energy Future” by Justin Harrell, senior engineer, Facilities and Energy Management. Two years ago, Harrell joined an Advanced Energy Institute delegation to explore the potential for including agrivoltaics as part of SIU’s energy future.
Also on Friday, SIU’s geology program will host a Rock and Mineral Clinic from 2-5 p.m. in Parkinson Building Room 101F. Members of the public are invited to bring in any rock, mineral or geological sample for identification. They also can learn about basic examination techniques and SIU’s geology program from Daniel Hummer, associate professor of geology, who will be on hand for the clinic, along with members of the SIU Geology Club.
“One thing I notice every time I talk to the public is that everyone has a rock story,” Hummer said. “Rocks and minerals just seem to be universally admired, and I encourage people to appreciate them and learn where they come from and how they can be identified.”