Dear NABG Family,

On behalf of the 2025 National Association of Black Geoscientists (NABG) and Colorado School of Mines (CSM) Conference Planning Committee, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 44th Annual Technical Conference of the National Association of Black Geoscientists (NABG) in Golden, Colorado: Welcome to the Centennial State!

In today’s rapidly evolving geoscience landscape, we are proud to present a multidisciplinary conference designed to engage, empower, and showcase the innovations and ideas shaping the future of our field. In alignment with NABG’s mission, this year’s conference is a space for creating meaningful connections across sectors, developing both technical and soft skills, and celebrating the achievements and lived experiences of our geoscience community.

Our theme, “The Earth We Need: Driving Solutions for Society and Planet through Geoscience, Technology, and Innovation,” reflects our commitment to address today’s most pressing environmental, societal, and technological challenges. We have curated a dynamic agenda that highlights the intersection of geoscience, technology, policy, and society, with growth opportunities tailored for students, early-career professionals, and seasoned experts alike.

Attendees can look forward to a robust program of short courses, workshops, technical sessions, field trips, and professional development opportunities. You will engage with leading voices from academia and industry in areas such as energy, critical minerals, CCUS, sustainability, environmental geoscience, natural hazards, and public policy. We are especially excited to welcome our 2025 Keynote Speaker, Dr. Melissa Burt, whose leadership in climate science for all continues to inspire the next generation.

We hope this year’s thoughtfully curated conference fosters cross-sector collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and broader engagement with geoscience knowledge and practice. We invite you to take full advantage of the opportunities to connect with students, educators, industry professionals, sponsors, and members of the Colorado School of Mines community.

To our NABG family, welcome to Colorado, home of the majestic Rocky Mountains and the vibrant CSM campus. We are honored to host you for what promises to be a memorable and transformative 44th Annual Technical Conference.

With gratitude and excitement,

Leiaka Welcome

2025 Conference Chair, NABG