In this episode, we hit the road—literally—with Tim Hawthorne and the Auburn University Geo Explorer crew, the masterminds behind America’s first solar-powered, science-on-wheels geoscience lab. We cruised through the big ideas that sparked its creation (spoiler: one was so wild it nearly made the RV blush), how pioneering status shaped every bolt and blueprint, and the logistical magic of fitting cutting-edge tech into a space smaller than some people’s closets.

We geeked out on the coolest hands-on moments—think drone flights, augmented reality, and rock-solid geology demos—that had students’ eyes lighting up brighter than the RV’s solar panels. We shared heart-warming stories from Title I and underserved schools where the Geo Explorer’s visit was more than a field trip—it was a spark for future scientists.

From hydrogeology to GIS, and from navigating tricky school-day parking logistics to dreaming about future VR tours and global expeditions, the team proved that science isn’t just about data—it’s about people, passion, and creating “aha” moments.

By the end, one thing was clear: when the wheels stop rolling, the curiosity keeps going—and that’s the real mission accomplished.

Music by Johnny Cash!

Check out these highlights from Day 2 of this year's awesome event!!!

00:30 - Matthew Bainbridge - Principal @ Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

14:10 - Jason Haynes - Reality Capture Director/Survey Division Manager @ Pennoni

34:55 - Gavin Schrock - Consulting Editor and Land Surveyor & Shane O'Regan - Director iCON, Building Construction Field Portfolio at Leica Geosystems part of Hexagon

53:42 - Bernhard Richter - VP Geomatics @ Leica Geosystems part of Hexagon

01:07:10 - Liam Thierens - Partner | General Manager - Spatial @ Bennett + Bennett

Check out these highlights from Day 1 of this year's awesome event!!!

03:50 - Steven Thurgood - Business Development Manager @ Hexagon Geosystems

21:30 - Robert Young - Principal Surveyor @ Trans Texas Surveying and Mapping, LLC

43:15 - Tom Givon - Vice President Marketing & Solutions @ GIV Solutions & Ivan Swindull - Innovation Domain Lead @ ExxonMobil

01:06:45 - Hans-Martin Zogg - Business Director TPS @ Leica Geosystems

01:22:10 - John Fraser - Regional President @ Hexagon Geosystems

01:39:30 - Matthew Anderle - Director of Digital Strategy @ AECOM