From Classroom to Community: A GWB Project Tackles Groundwater Contamination
Thu Feb 05 2026
“This project really bridged the gap that we get from just learning in university and actually doing it in real life. It is actually making an impact on society.”
Stella Eulia Andoka and Michael Partogi share how their student team used applied geophysical tools to investigate groundwater contamination affecting more than 2,600 families living near the Cipayung landfill in Indonesia. With support from the SEG Foundation and Geoscientists Without Borders, the project expanded beyond data collection to include community education and engagement with residents, schools, and local decision-makers. Their work shows how resourceful, student-led teams can deliver meaningful, real-world impact through applied geoscience.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> Student-led geophysics projects can have a direct impact on community awareness and local decision-making.
> Modest funding can deliver strong returns when teams work creatively and efficiently.
> Applied geophysics becomes more powerful when paired with education and community trust.
LINKS
* Learn more about this GWB project at https://seg.org/gwb_projects/indonesia/
* Donate to the SEG Foundation at https://seg.org/donate/
ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF
Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.
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“This project really bridged the gap that we get from just learning in university and actually doing it in real life. It is actually making an impact on society.” Stella Eulia Andoka and Michael Partogi share how their student team used applied geophysical tools to investigate groundwater contamination affecting more than 2,600 families living near the Cipayung landfill in Indonesia. With support from the SEG Foundation and Geoscientists Without Borders, the project expanded beyond data collection to include community education and engagement with residents, schools, and local decision-makers. Their work shows how resourceful, student-led teams can deliver meaningful, real-world impact through applied geoscience. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Student-led geophysics projects can have a direct impact on community awareness and local decision-making. > Modest funding can deliver strong returns when teams work creatively and efficiently. > Applied geophysics becomes more powerful when paired with education and community trust. LINKS * Learn more about this GWB project at https://seg.org/gwb_projects/indonesia/ * Donate to the SEG Foundation at https://seg.org/donate/ ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.