RESOURCE

George Stutz Student Days

Jun 2, 2025

George Stutz Student Days:

Connecting the Next Generation of Geothermal and Oil and Gas Professionals

July 31 - August 2, 2025

Calling all U.S.-based Energy Enthusiasts!

This initiative aims to highlight you – the students poised to be the next generation of subject matter experts (SMEs) in the U.S. – while facilitating a strong network of energy-focused peers who understand the shared challenges and opportunities in the geothermal and oil and gas (O&G) sectors. By bridging this gap, you will help pave the way for a collaborative future between these two sectors. Through this initiative, you will have the chance to showcase your research, engage in discussions around barriers and opportunities with colleagues, and expand your energy network in a unique, student-only, multi-industry event.

The GEODE consortium will host the George Stutz Student Days on July 31 – August 2, at the University of Nevada, Reno, with oral and poster presentations from geothermal and O&G students, keynotes from industry experts, student breakout sessions, and a field trip.

We are currently accepting abstracts focused on geoscience, engineering, regulatory, policy, financial, and workforce challenges within the geothermal industry, as well as topics that are common to O&G and geothermal.
There will be room for breakout sessions that spark from the discussions during the conference, to create dialogue and explore novel opportunities. You are welcome to submit in advance ideas for Breakout Session Themes, even if you are not submitting an abstract. Themes can cover a range of topics including engineering challenges, geosciences, policy, financial barriers, workforce opportunities, and more. Submit your geothermal or O&G-related themes today!

Apply Here!

Application Deadline: June 20, 2025

The GEODE consortium is a catalyst for geothermal innovation that brings together subject-matter experts from the O&G and geothermal industries to leverage best practices and knowledge from O&G to help expand the use of geothermal technology. Geothermal is a growing community in the United States, and this effort will help to build relationships across the country to create a platform for like-minded individuals to consider the juncture of geothermal and the O&G sectors.

This event is dedicated to George Stutz, in honor of his life and career. George served as GEODE's Technical Project Officer and played a pivotal role in shaping the initiative until he tragically passed away on September 25, 2024. A self-proclaimed technology geek and avid outdoorsman, George believed in the power of geothermal energy and human ingenuity to build a better world for all. May George's spirit for geothermal innovation live on through this work, and those participating in this event find themselves inspired by it.

The GEODE George Stutz Student Days initiative welcomes undergraduate and graduate students from 4-year universities, 2-year colleges, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and beyond. This event has the capacity to host up to 100 students. No matter your educational background, we look forward to welcoming you to Reno!

Whether you are a student already involved in geothermal and/or O&G research, are just beginning your journey, or simply want to learn about this growing field, we invite you to submit an abstract or Breakout Session Themes.

We envision these days to be the cornerstone of a dynamic alliance among geothermal, O&G, and other energy focused students. Join us to build meaningful connections and set the path for collective success.

Research Topics

Abstracts and Breakout Session Themes investigating research opportunities related to the following topics will be considered:

Geosciences and Engineering

Geophysics
Geology
Reservoir Engineering
Drilling and Completions
Production and Operations
Surface Facilities

Policy Analysis

Federal
State Land Considerations

Workforce

Workforce Opportunities
Complementary Skills

Energy Systems and Finance

Utility-scale Geothermal
Hybrid Systems and Co-Production
Market Penetration
Funding Community-level Projects

Venue

University of Nevada, Reno, Great Basin Research Center

Davidson Mathematics & Science Center

1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557

Agenda

The program will include keynotes, student presentations on cutting-edge research and breakout sessions to work on real problems to propose future initiatives at the intersection between geothermal and O&G. Final session themes will be announced after the abstract submission deadline. Poster sessions will be organized depending on the number of high-quality abstracts submitted. All times are PDT.

July 30 - Evening Reception

Day 1 - July 31: Focus on Geosciences and Policy

8:00 - 8:15 Welcome

8:15 - 9:00 Keynote Speaker

9:00 - 10:30 Session I: Geosciences

10:30 - 11:00 Break

11:00 - 12:30 Session II: Policy Analysis

12:30 - 1:30 Lunch

1:30 - 3:00 Session III: Presentations and Posters

3:00 - 4:30 Breakout Sessions

4:30 - 5:00 All-In: Summary of Breakout Sessions

Day 2 - August 1: Focus on Engineering and Energy Systems/Finance

8:00 - 8:15 Welcome

8:15 - 9:00 Keynote Speaker

9:00 - 10:30 Session IV: Engineering

10:30 - 11:00 Break

11:00 - 12:30 Session V: Energy Systems and Finance

12:30 - 1:30 Lunch

1:30 - 3:00 Session VI: Presentations and Posters

3:00 - 4:30 Breakout Sessions

4:30 - 5:00 All-In: Summary of Breakout Sessions

Day 3 - August 2: Geothermal Field Trip: Exploring Geothermal Systems in the Reno-Tahoe Region

Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm PDT

Departure/Return: University of Nevada, Reno, campus

Join us for a full-day immersive field trip exploring geothermal energy systems just minutes from the University of Nevada, Reno. This trip will introduce students to the diverse expressions of geothermal activity and the tools used to locate, characterize, and develop geothermal resources in the Great Basin.

Participants will travel in buses, rotating through a series of local stops that highlight different aspects of geothermal science, technology, and development. Stops will include*:

Operational Geothermal Power Plants: Learn how hot fluids are converted to electricity at a nearby binary power plant, with insights into wellfield design, surface infrastructure, and reservoir management.
Active Exploration and Drilling Sites: Observe ongoing geothermal exploration efforts and hear from professionals about well siting, rig operations, and early-stage resource confirmation.
Hidden Geothermal Systems: Visit basin settings where surface indicators are minimal, but structural and stratigraphic clues suggest strong geothermal potential. Discussions will focus on geophysical, geochemical, and geological techniques used to detect blind systems.
Thermal Manifestations and Legacy Features: View hot springs, fumaroles, altered ground, and abandoned wells or infrastructure that provide historical context for regional geothermal development.

Throughout the day, students will interact with geothermal professionals, including researchers, developers, and regulators, gaining hands-on insight into real-world exploration and development workflows.

The field trip is designed to showcase the complexity and promise of geothermal energy in the Reno-Tahoe area, one of the most geothermally active regions in the United States.

* Final stop locations and the exact route may change due to access, safety, and operational status, but all efforts will be made to ensure an engaging and educational experience.

Application

Follow the link below to complete the application. The submission of an abstract for oral / poster presentations or a theme for a breakout session is part of the application process. While not compulsory, we encourage all attendees to submit an abstract. The deadline to apply is June 20, 2025.

The event is free of charge and open to all U.S.-based students.

Submit your Abstract or Breakout Session Theme before June 20

Accommodations and Meals

Applicants selected for the event will receive free housing on UNR campus. GEODE has reserved single rooms in the UNR dormitories.

All meals will be provided for participants free of charge. That includes dinner on July 30, and then breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks during the Student Days. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions.

Transportation

Attendees who are staying on the UNR campus will be responsible for their transportation to and from Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Once they arrive on campus, all venues will be accessible by walking. If attendees use ride-shares to move around Reno, they will have to pay for those expenses.

Airports

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)

5 miles (11-12 minutes) from the Davidson Math and Science Center