Exploring Icelandic volcanic terrain to better understand Mars, then transforming this field experience into educational tools for young people. That is the ambition of She Rocks, a project led by two geoscience engineering students from the Beauvais campus.
She Rocks is a scientific research and outreach project led by Esther Houot and Faustine Jaspart, fourth-year students in the geosciences and environment engineering program at the Beauvais campus. For several years, they have been working on Iceland as a terrestrial analogue of Mars, a unique terrain for studying geological structures comparable to those observed on the red planet.
With this scientific field expedition to Iceland, their approach is taking on a new dimension. The goal is not only to advance research, but also to share the field experience and reality of scientific work with younger people.
Iceland, a testing ground for understanding Mars
Iceland offers exceptional geological conditions for studying volcanic formations similar to those observed on Mars, particularly certain specific volcanic edifices. By conducting their research in this field, the students compare scientific hypotheses with direct observation and deepen their understanding of these extreme environments.
“We can't take all high school students to Iceland, but with your help, we can bring Iceland to their schoolbags. Transform our land into their knowledge by supporting us!”
Esther Houot
From the field to the classroom
She Rocks is part of a strong commitment to education. The data collected during the expedition will be transformed into immersive educational materials, such as 3D models, virtual terrains, and workshops tailored to students from elementary school to high school.
The students will visit schools before and after the mission to share their field experience, logistical preparation, and scientific methodology.
A scientific and humanitarian project led by two women
Led by two students committed to knowledge sharing and community life, She Rocks highlights the role of women in field sciences.
The project promotes a more accessible, concrete, and embodied approach to research, capable of inspiring the scientists of tomorrow.
“From studying volcanic cones to models for the next generation: help us prove that science and adventure can also be feminine by supporting She Rocks!”
Faustine Jaspart
Support the project
To enable the expedition to Iceland to take place and the associated educational tools to be developed, a crowdfunding campaign is currently underway.
