Dr. Julie Bloxson, associate professor of earth sciences and geologic resources at Stephen F. Austin State University has been named 2025 Inspirational Geoscience Educator by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists, a nonprofit foundation supporting educational and scientific activities in the field of geology, has named Dr. Julie Bloxson, associate professor of earth sciences and geologic resources at Stephen F. Austin State University, as its 2025 Inspirational Geoscience Educator.

The annual award honors college and university professors within 10 years of their initial tenure-track appointment who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in geoscience education. The recipient receives $6,000 and a commemorative plaque.

“I am very proud of Dr. Bloxson for achieving this prestigious national recognition,” said Dr. Wesley Brown, chair of SFA’s Department of Earth Sciences and Geologic Resources. “Dr. Bloxson has been creating waves on both the local and national scenes in her discipline and is an asset to the SFA community.”

Bloxson, who earned her doctorate in earth science from Case Western Reserve University, has focused her research on subsurface systems, applying her expertise to real-world problems. Her work led to a research position at the Ohio Division of Geological Survey, where she concentrated on carbon sequestration and hydrocarbon assessments across the Appalachian Basin.

“Many of us who studied geology in university and pursued geoscience careers did so because of the influence and encouragement of one or more faculty members,” said Jim McGhay, chairman of the AAPG Board of Trustees. “Recognizing faculty who have demonstrated this ability early in their careers is the purpose of this award, and Julie is eminently deserving of this recognition.”

Bloxson’s passion for applied geoscience has driven her teaching and research since she joined the SFA faculty in 2018. During her tenure at the university, she has advised more than a dozen graduate theses, supervised numerous undergraduate research projects and engaged in collaborative research with both industry and government partners.

Bloxson was also instrumental in bringing the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies GeoGulf 2025 conference to Nacogdoches in April. The conference hosted more than 400 industry professionals and afforded students in the College of Sciences and Mathematics and the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture opportunities to present their research and learn.

“I am truly honored to be selected as the 2025 recipient of the Inspirational Geoscience Educator Award,” said Bloxson. “This award affirms the power of community and collaboration in geoscience education and reinforces my commitment to creating inclusive, innovative learning spaces that bridge academia, industry and public engagement.”

To learn more about SFA’s Department of Earth Sciences and Geologic Resources, visit sfasu.edu/earth-sciences.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

By University Marketing Communications

Jessica Mayes, Stephen F. Austin State University’s inaugural JacksTeach Science Teacher fellow, will work alongside Mindy Wurtz, clinical instructor and JacksTeach master science teacher, to design and deliver high-impact professional development workshops for educators.

In recognition of exceptional public school science teachers, Stephen F. Austin State University’s JacksTeach program has launched the JacksTeach Science Teacher Fellowship to support their continued professional growth.

Inaugural fellow Jessica Mayes is an accomplished middle school science teacher at Central Heights Middle School, and will work alongside Mindy Wurtz, clinical instructor and JacksTeach master science teacher, to design and deliver high-impact professional development workshops for educators. As part of her fellowship, Mayes will gain hands-on experience in lab instruction and curriculum development while receiving a $5,000 stipend.

“In addition to preparing and inspiring the next generation of secondary STEM teachers in Texas, JacksTeach and the STEM Education and Research Center are also dedicated to supporting current STEM educators,” Wurtz said. “This summer, I am especially excited to collaborate with Jessica Mayes, who brings valuable expertise in middle school teaching and curriculum development.”

Mayes, who was selected for her innovative teaching methods and student-centered classroom, is enthusiastic to serve as the inaugural fellow.

“I am a lifelong learner and love being innovative in my classroom,” Mayes said. “It’s important to me that my lessons continue to intrigue and connect with my students. I want them to love science and learn as much as they can while in my room — and that means growing my craft.”

JacksTeach professional development workshops focus on implementing inquiry-based, three-dimensional science activities in middle and high school physics and biology classrooms. Educators interested in participating can register at sfasu.edu/pace or contact jacksteach@sfasu.edu.

The JacksTeach Science Teacher Fellowship is currently funded through the support of the Bush Family, whom the Bush Mathematical Sciences Building is named after.

Cutline: Jessica Mayes, Stephen F. Austin State University’s inaugural JacksTeach Science Teacher fellow, will work alongside Mindy Wurtz, clinical instructor and JacksTeach master science teacher, to design and deliver high-impact professional development workshops for educators.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY