Geodynamics Duo

Unlocking Potential
Geodynamics header
Dr. Peter Flemings with Camila van der Maal
Endowments for chairs and professorships draw world-class faculty to the Forty Acres, where they can conduct groundbreaking research that improves lives here and across the globe.

Dr. Peter Flemings, who holds the Leonidas T. Barrow Centennial Chair at the Jackson School of Geosciences, says, “At UT, geoscientists are tackling extraordinary problems — how to find minerals to support the expanding technology industry, how to meet the demand for energy sources, how to tackle the changing climate, how to manage our water resources. One of the great strengths here at UT is the incredible alumni support. When I go at a problem that is going to advance our field, I’m going to receive the support I need to help make that a reality.”

Donor support is also key to unlocking potential in high-achieving students. Geology senior Camila van der Maal is one of the 14,500 Longhorns who received life-changing scholarships this year. Through research programs, field trips (including an expedition to an offshore rig!) and the mentorship of Dr. Flemings, she has discovered a whole new world of pathways and ideas, and plans to pursue a Ph.D.

“I came back from the research expedition a whole new student with all these paths and ideas opened up for me.”

Camila van der Maal

B.S. ’26, General Geology, Richard R. Bloomer Fund Endowed Scholarship