Mirsky

Mirsky Day of Geoscience

More information

The Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences established the annual Drs. Arthur and Patricia Mirsky Memorial Lecture in 2013 as an honor to Arthur Mirsky, Ph.D. (1927-2012).

In 2023, we hosted the inaugural Mirsky Day of Geoscience – a half day of events culminating in the Mirsky Lecture.

Join us on Friday, February 28, 2025 for the Mirsky Day of Geoscience and our 13th annual Mirsky Lecture.

Register to attend Mirsky Day of Geoscience

Register now

13th annual Drs. Arthur and Patricia Mirsky Memorial Lecture

"Water on Mars"

Vashan Wright, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego

Friday, February 28
4 p.m.
Innovation Hall (IO) 105

Dr. Vashan Wright

Vashan Wright is an assistant professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and a guest investigator at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Wright is a geophysicist who studies tectonics, paleoclimate, paleoseismicity, and earthquake-triggered hazards such as landslides, submarine slides, and tsunamis. He studies these geologic processes and natural hazards by examining sediments and rocks deposited in or beneath oceans, lakes, rivers, and beaches.

Wright earned his bachelor’s of science degree in geology and business from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., and his doctoral degree in geophysics from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Patricia and Arthur Mirsky, September 1997. Image courtesy of IUPUI University Library Special Collections and Archives

Arthur Mirsky, Ph.D. (1927-2012) served as a field geologist and consultant in uranium exploration in the Southwest and Rocky Mountains before coming to IUPUI in 1967 to start a new geology program.

He proudly served the Department of Earth Sciences even after his retirement in 1993, including a 26-year stint as the first faculty chair and then as a professor emeritus.

As an honor to Dr. Mirsky and his wife, Patricia, the department established the annual Drs. Arthur and Patricia Mirsky Memorial Lecture in 2013.

Event location details and parking information

Innovation Hall (IO)
625 W. Michigan St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
View on Google Maps »

All visitors can park in Gateway Garage for events at Innovation Hall.

Gateway Garage
525 N. Blackford St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Guggman Haus Brewing Co.
1701 Gent Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
View on Google Maps »

Free parking is available in a lot across the street from Guggman Haus.

Gear Garage & Mirsky Student Enhancement Fund

Support the Earth Sciences Gear Garage, where students can check out gently used (or new) field gear needed for their classes, field excursions and research.

We are taking donations of new or gently used items:

  • Rain gear (jackets and pants)
  • Waterproof boots
  • Headlamps
  • Backpacks
  • Tents
  • And more!

You can also help us reach our goal of $2,500 in donations for the Mirsky Student Enhancement Fund. This fund will be used to award small scholarships to students in need, allowing them to purchase gear.

Bring donations to the Mirsky Day of Geoscience! We will have a table near check in to accept donations (physical items or monetary donations).

We appreciate your support!

Give now