Kutztown University junior geology major Dea Musa, of Catasauqua, was awarded first place and $1,000 in the Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologists 2012 scholarship competition, at the PCPG’s Annual Meeting on Jan. 15 in Harrisburg.

Musa won the scholarship for her essay on the significance of geology in Pennsylvania. In her paper, she focused on how geology in Pennsylvania provides resources for its citizens and on the role geologists play in protecting our environment and preserving natural resources.

A panel of judges comprising of numerous experienced geologists and last year’s first place recipient evaluated all of the 2012 essay submissions and selected Musa as the winner.