Grants to Support Knowledge Exchange - Joe Jennings
Joe Jennings, 2025 Grant to Support Knowledge Exchange recipient, shares her experience.
Following a re-routing from Greenland due to polar bear risks, my 39-day geological mapping expedition was conducted at the Bjerkreim-Sokndal layered igneous intrusion in Rogaland, Norway. This 931 Ma intrusion was an amazing place to study modally layered rock rich in elements such as titanium and vanadium, critical for clean energy technologies. My independent mapping documented slump structures and erosive surfaces in the crystal-magma mush, insights into how these important metal resources are concentrated.
I integrated educational outreach initiatives into my expedition; translating geology-themed card games into Norwegian, and distributing these (with posters and samples from my field area) to local schools. These educational resources highlighted which mineral resources can be found in Rogaland's rocks. I was also able to have discussions with teachers and rural residents about the regional geology, creating important transparency around my research intentions amidst local mining impact concerns.
This expedition provided opportunities for professional growth, challenging logistical planning, campsite teamwork, and developing community engagement skills; for which I am incredibly grateful to the IOM3 Grant to Support Knowledge Exchange for sponsoring. This invaluable experience in a remote (and beautiful) environment has significantly advanced my development as an early-career geologist.
Joe Jennings
University of St Andrews
