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About Laura

IceGuertin_rift3Thanks for joining me on my GeoEd Trek! I’m Laura Guertin, a Professor of Earth Science at Penn State Brandywine in Media, PA. I was born in Massachusetts, raised in Connecticut, and I was first turned on to science by my 5th grade science teacher with a radish seed experiment (thank you, Miss Somerfelt!). With another amazing teacher in the 11th grade that confirmed my interest in science (thank you, Mrs. DeThomas!), I headed to Bucknell University and majored in geology. Doing a summer oceanography field program in Wallops Island, VA, a fall semester in Woods Hole, MA, and two summer internships with the field photogrammetry unit of NOAA’s National Ocean Service confirmed my interest in the marine sciences. I headed to University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science and graduated with my Ph.D. in marine geology and geophysics.

Fast-forward in time to 2001, when I started my position at Penn State Brandywine. I am a “lone ranger” at my institution, the only geologist on campus. I teach introductory-level Earth science, geoscience, and geography courses for non-science majors, and I work with the freshmen and sophomore students in Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences in preparing them to transfer to complete their degrees. I have a passion for mentoring students in undergraduate research experiences – along with a passion for visiting national parks, geocaching, and attending live sporting events.

I also maintain another blog, what I call the Journeys of Dr. G, where the target audience is my students. The blog allows me the opportunity to share with students that not only am I a teacher, but I am a scientist, a researcher, a mentor, an innovator, a conference presenter, a workshop leader, and much more. GeoEd Trek allows me the opportunity to connect and share with peers and colleagues, and I’m looking forward to some virtual conversations (as well as face-to-face conversations at future AGU meetings!) on geoscience education/outreach, educational technology, and science communication.

Note that all opinions expressed in GeoEd Trek are those of Laura Guertin and do not represent those of AGU or her past/present employers or undergraduate/graduate institutions.