LEARNING GEOPHYSICS BY DOING GEOPHYSICS

Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience

(SAGE)

SAGE, Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience, logo

SAGE is an award-winning geophysics education and research program for undergraduate students,  graduate students, and working professionals.

Based in Northern New Mexico, USA, participants meet and work with industry professionals, academics, and government research scientists while using modern geophysical methods to solve complex geologic problems.

  • SAGE, Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience. Group of people outdoors, listening to an instructor pointing, with a map on a stand in front of them.

    About SAGE

    SAGE emphasizes the understanding of field methods—from fundamental principles through acquisition, processing, and interpretation—all within the context of basic and applied research problems.

    Learn More
  • SAGE, Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience. Four smiling people outdoors in a grassy field with mountains and trees in the background.

    Apply to SAGE

    SAGE is a hybrid program combining remote learning and in-person fieldwork and classroom education—featuring material discussions, group projects, outdoor field methods, and final presentations. SAGE applications for the next summer open on December 1.

    Apply Now
  • SAGE, Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience. A woman wearing a hat and sunglasses sits inside and leans out of a large equipment.

    Partner with SAGE

    SAGE would not be possible without our many champions. Ongoing SAGE support includes tax-deductible donations, corporate sponsorships, equipment and software loans, and more.

    Support SAGE

Key SAGE Dates

  • 1 December

    SAGE applications open for the following summer

  • 14 February

    SAGE applications close

  • 1 March

    SAGE acceptance letters sent

  • 31 March

    SAGE participants finalized

  • Mid-May

    SAGE virtual program begins

  • Late June - Early July

    SAGE in-person program in Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA

Apply to SAGE
SAGE, Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience, scientific equipment, solar panel, and various tools.

Hands-on Field Experience

SAGE actively educates students in all phases of geophysics using modern field equipment and the latest computer processing and interpretation tools. 

SAGE participants employ investigative subsurface methods and learn integrated interpretation of geophysical data at different scales. Methods may include: 

  • Reflection/refraction and passive seismic

  • Magnetotellurics and time-domain electromagnetics

  • Ground-penetrating radar

  • Temperature logging and Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS)

  • Gravity and magnetics

About SAGE

Why Field Camp Is Important

"Field camp is what turns a geophysics student into a geophysicist. The hands-on experience paired with important concepts help everything ‘click’ for students. ”

"I'd argue that field camp is a critical underpinning to any piece of geophysics education. Field camp teaches fundamental observational geophysics, 3D thinking, and problem solving far better than course work alone.”

"As an Employer, I can tell new hires who lack field camp experience. It teaches spatial awareness and problem-solving skills, which I wholeheartedly believe come from practical experience learned in the field.”

How SAGE Stands Out

Sunset over a forested campground with tall pine trees and tents visible in the background. SAGE, Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience.

SAGE is a Competitive,
Open-Application Program

SAGE invites motivated students to apply for its highly regarded program. With a low student-to-instructor ratio, participants gain personalized instruction in leading geophysical methods and their real-world applications.

Apply Now
SAGE, Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience, student group.
SAGE, Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience. Student group.

SAGE Welcomes Students Nationwide and Worldwide

SAGE accepts undergraduate and graduate applicants from all over the US and world. This diversity of experience enhances learning and helps students grow their knowledge and professional connections.

Attending SAGE

SAGE Stories

  • "I had a great time at SAGE, and I left with a much better understanding of the field of geophysics. The learning experience was invaluable, and I'm grateful I had the opportunity to attend. "

  • "SAGE was an amazing experience and I thank you guys so much for supporting us students through it! It was truly life changing."

  • "I enjoyed discussions with faculty as well as visitors from other institutions/corporations. Getting the opportunity to talk with them and ask questions was super helpful."

  • "I got to learn about methods as well as career paths—and how the methods apply to what they do. Sharing their journeys really helped me understand what I might want to do, as well as better understand the field better."

  • "My favorite part of SAGE was the fieldwork and actually getting to process and interpret the data we collected was really cool."

  • "The hands-on learning experience and the supportive environment. Despite the wide range of experience levels of each of the students, I thought that the faculty did a great job of accommodating all backgrounds and providing opportunities for all to learn."

  • "I loved the data processing at the end because I got to talk to everyone and we all got to talk about our data—and we were in air conditioning. But honestly, every part was super amazing!"

  • "My favorite part was deploying the equipment in the field, regardless of how hard the hikes were at times. I got to explore the Caldera more through the deployments while also improving my geological and geophysical intuition since I was there to see the different structures and how the instruments were recording them in real time. Also, the views were just gorgeous. "

  • "The faculty's enthusiasm and engagement with all of us students! It really helped acclimate me to SAGE and feel comfortable and prepared to attend. They are super passionate about our understanding and it shows."

SAGE Sponsors

  • ExxonMobil logo in red text on a white background.
  • Chevron logo with blue and red chevron shapes and the word "Chevron" in blue text above.
  • Logo of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) with a stylized globe design.
  • Logo of the Geoscience Society of New Zealand featuring a spiral shell with colored lines representing seismic waves.
  • A logo for Aarhus GeoSoftware featuring a stylized globe and the company name.
  • Logo with a large white letter 'G' and a stylized arrow crossing through it, with the word 'GEONICS' below in black text.
  • Logo of the Sequent company with stylized S and the word 'SEQUENT'.
  • Sensors & Software logo with blue text and design elements
  • Logo of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources featuring stylized mountains and the text 'New Mexico Tech' in the center
  • Logo featuring a stylized curved road with a sound waveform and the text "IRIS PASSCAL".
  • USGS logo with waves symbol and bold green letters
Become a Partner

Follow Our Adventures