The UCLA Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences celebrated the Class of 2026 during its annual Commencement and Awards Celebration on June 14, recognizing graduates across undergraduate and graduate programs while honoring outstanding academic achievement. Faculty, family members and friends gathered to mark the occasion with a ceremony highlighting both the accomplishments of the graduating class and the strength of the department’s academic community.
The program featured opening and closing remarks from EPSS Chair Jonathan Aurnou, a keynote address by Laurie Leshin, University Professor for Space Futures at Arizona State University, and remarks from salutatorian Sara Kang. The ceremony also recognized recipients of departmental scholarships and academic awards before celebrating candidates for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
The department celebrated graduates earning Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees across disciplines including geology, geophysics, planetary science, geochemistry, engineering geology and Earth and environmental science. Students were also recognized for academic merit, summer field scholarships and other achievements that reflect the department’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research and field education.
“Commencement is one of the most meaningful moments of the year for our department,” said Jonathan Aurnou, professor and chair of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences. “We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in science, industry and society.”