Steven Semken
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Phone: 480-965-7965
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Fax: 480-965-8960
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PO Box 876004, Mail Code 6004 Bateman Phys. Sciences F, 550 E Tyler Mall, Room F528 Tempe Campus TEMPE, AZ 85287-6004
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Mail code: 6004Campus: Tempe
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Steven (Steve) Semken, President's Professor of Geology and Education in the School of Earth and Space Exploration, is an ethnogeologist and geoscience-education researcher whose work encompasses research on place-based and culturally bridging geoscience teaching methods, geological heritage, virtual field geology education, and the geological evolution of southwestern North America. A graduate of MIT and UCLA, Steve began his career on the faculty at Diné College, the Tribal College of the Navajo Nation, before he joined ASU. Steve and his students work in geologically and culturally diverse places in southwestern North America and Latin America, in collaboration with Indigenous and Latina/o colleagues and communities.
Steve's research informs his teaching, and vice versa; he uses place-based, culturally bridging methods to foster student interest in geoscience and catalyze active learning. He teaches ASU courses in regional geology of Arizona and the Southwest, in Earth-system history, in field geology, and in evidence-based teaching methods for Earth and space science. He regularly offers talks and field trips for public outreach in National and State Parks in Arizona and the Southwest. He is a co-creator of the award-winning Trail of Time at Grand Canyon. Steve also teaches geology to the public for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at ASU and at Yavapai College in the Verde Valley.
Steve is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is also a Past-President and former Distinguished Speaker of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers.
Steve was appointed an ASU President's Professor in 2025. He received the 2014-2015 Zebulon Pearce Distinguished Teaching Award in Natural Sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at ASU. He was also recognized with the highest awards for science teaching at Diné College in 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1995; and with the Goodwin Medal, the highest award for graduate teaching assistants at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in 1985.
- Certificate in Diné (Navajo) Educational Philosophy, Diné College, 1991.
- Ph.D., Materials Science (Ceramics), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1989.
- M.S., Geochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 1984.
- S.B., Earth and Planetary Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1980.
Professional Certifications
- Certified Interpretive Guide, National Association for Interpretation.
- Arizona State Community College Teaching Certification in Earth Sciences and Geology.
Ethnogeology, Geoscience education research, Place-based education, Indigenous knowledge in geoscience education, Informal geoscience education and interpretation, STEM teacher professional development, Immersive and virtual learning, Geoheritage, Regional geology and geography of the American Southwest.
Linking to or downloading any of these publications constitutes a request for a reprint for personal use only, which is granted.
Note: *denotes ASU student co-author; **denotes Diné College student co-author
Kim, J.*, Cave, S., Arrowsmith, J. R., Clarke, A. B., Roggensack, K., & Semken, S. (in press). Controls on low shield-forming eruptive behavior: A case study of Sentinel-Arlington Volcanic Field (USA). USGS Volume on Distributed Volcanism.
Semken, S., Mead, C., Foley, K., Ruberto, T., Bruce, G., & Anbar, A. D. (2025). Research on teaching geoscience with virtual field experiences. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 53, 425-442, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-earth-060923-115406.
Foley, K.*, Petcovic, H. & Semken, S. (2024). How college geoscience instructors find and implement virtual field experiences in their courses. Journal of Geoscience Education, 72, https://doi.org/10.1080/10899995.2024.2334179.
Londoño, S. C.*, Semken, S., Brandt, E., Garzón, C., & Makuritofe, V. (2023). Understanding the geology of the Colombian Amazon through Indigenous eyes: Useful metaphors and approaches for teaching Earth sciences in the Colombian Amazon. In P. W. U. Chinn & S. Nelson-Barber (Eds.), Indigenous STEM Education: Sociocultural Explorations of Science Education, 29 (pp. 223-238). London: Springer Nature, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-30451-4_12.
Ruberto, T.*, Mead, C., Anbar, A. D., & Semken, S. (2023). Comparison of in-person and virtual Grand Canyon undergraduate field-trip learning outcomes. Journal of Geoscience Education, 71(4), 445-461, https://doi.org/10.1080/10899995.2023.2186067.
Hubbard, K.*, Haberle, C., Elkins-Tanton, L., Christensen, P., & Semken, S. (2023). Thermal-infrared emission spectroscopy of graybody minerals (sulfide): Implications for extraterrestrial exploration for magmatic ore deposits. Earth and Space Science, 10(2), https://doi.org/10.1029/2022EA002641.
Corbett, A., Bierman, P., Semken, S., & Whitaker, J. (2022). Can community laboratory facilities increase access and inclusivity in geoscience? Earth and Space Science, 9(5), https://doi.org/10.1029/2021EA002028.
Semken, S., & Garcia, Á. A., Jr.* (2021). Synergizing standards-based and place-based science education. Cultural Studies of Science Education, 16(2), 447-460, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11422-021-10020-4.
Semken, S. (2021). Tsé ligaii: The white sandstone of the Chuska Mountains. Leading the Way: The Wisdom of the Navajo People, 19(3), 20-21.
St. John, K., McNeal, K., Macdonald, H., Kastens, K., Bitting, K., Cervato, C., McDaris, J., Petcovic, H., Pyle, E., Riggs, E., Ryker, K., Semken, S., & Teasdale, R. (2021). A community framework for geoscience education research: Summary and recommendations for future research priorities. Journal of Geoscience Education, 69(1), https://doi.org/10.1080/10899995.2020.1779569.
Robeck, E., Awad, A., Semken, S., Manning, C., Daniels, M., & Blankenbicker, A. (2020). Earth science all around: Using immersive virtual field trips with place-based instruction in Earth and space science education. The Earth Scientist, 36(1), 15-21.
García, Á. A.*, Semken, S., & Brandt, E. (2020). The construction of cultural consensus models to characterize ethnogeological knowledge. Geoheritage, 12, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-020-00480-5.
Hoke, K., O’Connell, K., Semken, S., & Arora, V. (2020). Promoting a sense of place virtually: A review of the ESA Weekly Water Cooler Chat focused on virtual sense of place. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America, https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bes2.1734.
Atchison, C., Parker, W., Riggs, N., Semken, S., & Whitmeyer, S. (2019). Accessibility and inclusion in the field: A field guide for central Arizona and Petrified Forest National Park. In Pearthree, P. A. (Ed.), Geologic excursions in southwestern North America: Geological Society of America Field Guide 55 (pp. 39-60). Boulder, CO: Geological Society of America, https://doi.org/10.1130/2019.0055(02).
St. John, K., Bitting, K., Cervato, C., Kastens, K., Macdonald, H., McDaris, J., McNeal, K., Petcovic, H., Pyle, E., Riggs, E., Ryker, K., Semken, S., & Teasdale, R. (2019). An evolutionary leap in how we teach geosciences. Eos, 100, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019EO127285.
Mead, C., Buxner, S., Bruce, G., Taylor, W., Semken, S., & Anbar, A. D. (2019). Immersive, interactive virtual field trips promote science learning. Journal of Geoscience Education, 67(2), https://doi.org/10.1080/10899995.2019.1565285. Winner of the 2020 JGE Outstanding Paper Award from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers.
Semken, S., Bhattacharyya, J., Duggan-Haas, D., Pallant, A., & Wiggen, J. (2018). Research on instructional strategies to improve geoscience learning in different settings and with different technologies. In St. John, K. (Ed.), Community framework for geoscience education research. National Association of Geoscience Teachers, https://doi.org/10.25885/ger_framework/9.
Horodyskyj, L., Mead, C., Buxner, S., Semken, S., & Anbar, A. (2018). Habitable Worlds: Delivering on the promises of online education. Astrobiology, 18(1), 86-99, https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2016.1550.
Perera, V.*, Mead, C., Buxner, S., Lopatto, D., Horodyskyj, L., Semken, S., & Anbar, A. D. (2017). Students in fully online programs report more positive attitudes toward science than students in traditional, in-person programs. CBE Life Sciences Education, 16(4), ar60, https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.16-11-0316.
Semken, S., Ward, E. M. G., Moosavi, S., & Chinn, P. W. U. (2017). Place-based education in geoscience: Theory, research, practice, and assessment. Journal of Geoscience Education, 65(4), 542-562, https://doi.org/10.5408/17-276.1.
Semken, S. (2017). Dikes. Leading the Way: The Wisdom of the Navajo People, 15(7), 31. PDF (1.6 MB)
Londoño, S. C.*, Makuritofe, V., Brandt, E., Semken, S., & Garzón, C. (2016). Ethnogeology in Amazonia: Surface-water systems in the Colombian Amazon, from perspectives of Uitoto traditional knowledge and mainstream hydrology. In Wessel, G. R., & Greenberg, J. K. (Eds.), Geoscience for the public good and global development: Toward a sustainable future: Geological Society of America Special Paper 520 (pp. 221-232). Boulder, CO: Geological Society of America, https://doi.org/10.1130/2016.2520(20).
Ward, E. G., Semken, S., & Libarkin, J. (2014). The design of place-based, culturally informed geoscience assessment. Journal of Geoscience Education, 62(1), 86-103, https://doi.org/10.5408/12-414.1.
Apple, J., Lemus, J., & Semken, S. (2014). Teaching geoscience in the context of culture and place. Journal of Geoscience Education, 62(1), 1-4, https://doi.org/10.5408/1089-9995-62.1.1. (All authors contributed equally to this paper and are listed alphabetically.)
Allison, C. M.*, Porter, R. C., Fouch, M. J., & Semken, S. (2013). Seismic evidence for lithospheric modification beneath the Mojave Neovolcanic Province, Southern California. Geophysical Research Letters, 40, 5119-5124, https://doi.org/10.1002/grl.50993.
Zeigler, K., Timmons, J. M., Timmons, S., & Semken, S. (Eds.). (2013). Geology of the Route 66 region: Flagstaff to Grants: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 64. Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/64/. Winner of the 2015 Best Geologic Guidebook Award from the Geoscience Information Society.
Mathis, A., Lillie, R. J., & Semken, S. (2013). Sharing geology with the public along I-40 using interpretive and place-based educational techniques. In K. Zeigler, J. M. Timmons, S. Timmons, & S. Semken (Eds.), Geology of the Route 66 region: Flagstaff to Grants: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 64 (pp. 20-22). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society. PDF (281 kB)
Zeigler, K., Semken, S., & Moore, C. (2013). Meteor Crater: from misunderstanding to obsession to geologic icon. In K. Zeigler, J. M. Timmons, S. Timmons, & S. Semken (Eds.), Geology of the Route 66 region: Flagstaff to Grants: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 64 (pp. 22-23). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society. PDF (283 kB)
Zeigler, K., & Semken, S. (2013). Old Route 66: Getting your kicks in the American Southwest. In K. Zeigler, J. M. Timmons, S. Timmons, & S. Semken (Eds.), Geology of the Route 66 region: Flagstaff to Grants: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 64 (pp. 23-24). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society. PDF (258 kB)
Zeigler, K., Timmons, J. M., & Semken, S. (2013). Third-day road log: Trip 1, Trip 2, and Trip 3: Pre-trip: From El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico to Northwest Regional Visitor’s Center in Grants, New Mexico. In K. Zeigler, J. M. Timmons, S. Timmons, & S. Semken (Eds.), Geology of the Route 66 region: Flagstaff to Grants: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 64 (pp. 50-74). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/64/.
Parker, W., Martz, J., Zeigler, K., Semken, S., & Timmons, J. M. (2013). Second-day road log: From a corner in Winslow, Arizona, through Petrified Forest National Park, to the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico. In K. Zeigler, J. M. Timmons, S. Timmons, & S. Semken (Eds.), Geology of the Route 66 region: Flagstaff to Grants: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 64 (pp. 25-49). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/64/.
Zeigler, K., Riggs, N., Timmons, J. M., Ort, M., & Semken, S. (2013). First-day road log: From Flagstaff to SP and Colton Craters, Wupatki and Sunset Crater National Monuments, and Meteor Crater. In K. Zeigler, J. M. Timmons, S. Timmons, & S. Semken (Eds.), Geology of the Route 66 region: Flagstaff to Grants: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 64 (pp. 9-24). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/64/.
Bohon, W.*, Robinson, S., Arrowsmith, R., & Semken, S. (2013). Building an effective social media strategy for science programs. Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union, 94(27), 237-238, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013EO270001.
Bueno Watts, N.*, Baker, D. R., & Semken, S. (2013). The impact of writing-intensive professional development on high school teachers’ science content knowledge of energy in systems. Global Journal of Human Social Science-G, 13(3), 45-58. PDF (700 kB).
Semken, S. (2013). Antelope Canyon history. Leading the Way: The Wisdom of the Navajo People, 11(1), 24.
Semken, S. (2012). EarthScope and place-based education. inSights, summer 2012. Online version PDF (1.9 MB)
Semken, S., Schaufele, C., & Zumoff, N. (2012). Math and geoscience “placed” in context. In the Trenches, 2(2), 12-13. PDF (131 kB)
Semken, S. (2012). Seashells in the Shiprock area. Leading the Way: The Wisdom of the Navajo People,10(7), 22-23. PDF (1.33 MB)
Semken, S. (2012). Place-based teaching and learning. In N. M. Seel (Ed.), Encyclopedia of the sciences of learning (pp. 2641-2642). New York: Springer. PDF (95 kB) Purchase book or read it online
Peterson, V. L., Garver, J. I., Semken, S., & Williams, W. J. W. (2011). Enhancing participation of two-year college faculty in the Geological Society of America. GSA Today, 21, 36-38, https://doi.org/10.1130/G130GW.1.
Luft, J., Wong, S.*, & Semken, S. (2011). Rethinking recruitment: The comprehensive and strategic recruitment of secondary science teachers. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 22, 459-474, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-011-9243-2.
Semken, S. (2011). A sense of the American Southwest: Place-based Earth system science for diverse students. In the Trenches, 1, 1-4. PDF (2.9 Mb)
Kraft, K., Srogi, L., Husman, J., Semken, S., & Fuhrman, M. (2011). Engaging students to
learn through the affective domain: A new framework for teaching in the geosciences. Journal of Geoscience Education, 59, 71-84, https://doi.org/10.5408/1.3543934a.
Crow, R., Karlstrom, K., Crossey, L., Semken, S., Perry, D., Williams, M., & Bryan, J. (2011). It’s about time: Innovations in geoscience education at the Grand Canyon. Legacy, 22, 26-27. PDF (477 kB)
Williams, D.*, & Semken, S. (2011). Ethnographic methods in analysis of place-based geoscience curriculum and pedagogy. In A. P. Feig & A. Stokes (Eds.), Qualitative research in geoscience education: Geological Society of America Special Paper 474 (pp. 49-62). Boulder, CO: Geological Society of America, https://doi.org/10.1130/2011.2474(05).
Semken, S., & Brandt, E. (2010). Implications of sense of place and place-based education for ecological integrity and cultural sustainability in contested places. In D. Tippins, M. Mueller, M., van Eijck, & J. Adams (Eds.), Cultural studies and environmentalism: The confluence of ecojustice, place-based (science) education, and indigenous knowledge systems (pp. 287-302). New York: Springer, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3929-3_24.
Semken, S. (2010). Ship Rock and the Navajo volcanic field. In L.G. Price (Ed.), The geology of northern New Mexico's parks, monuments, and public lands (pp. 85-91). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/publications/guides/nmparks/northern/.
Semken, S., Williams, D.*, Ross, J., Kerr, B., & Monhardt, R. (2010). Design elements and learning outcomes of two place-based teacher professional programs situated in the Southwest United States: Concordance with Universal Design for Learning. Proceedings of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PDF (136 kB)
Bueno Watts, N.*, Baker, D. R., Semken, S., & Lang, M. (2010). Improving high school teachers’ content knowledge of energy in systems through research-based professional development. Proceedings of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PDF (453 kB)
Semken, S., Butler Freeman, C.*, Bueno Watts, N.*, Neakrase, J.*, Dial, R.*, & Baker, D. (2009). Factors that influence sense of place as a learning outcome of place-based geoscience teaching. The Electronic Journal for Research in Science and Mathematics Education, 13, 136-159. http://ejse.southwestern.edu/article/view/7803.
Gonzales, D., & Semken, S. (2009). A comparative study of field-inquiry in an undergraduate petrology course. In S.J. Whitmeyer, D.W. Mogk, & E.J. Pyle (Eds.), Field geology education: Historical perspectives and modern approaches: Geological Society of America Special Paper 461 (pp. 205-221). Boulder, CO: Geological Society of America, https://doi.org/10.1130/2009.2461(18).
Semken, S., Dodick, J., Frus, R.*, Wells, M., Perry, D., Bryan, J., Williams, M., Crow, R., Crossey, L., & Karlstrom, K. (2009). Studies of informal geologic time learning at the “Trail of Time” in Grand Canyon National Park. Informal Learning Review, 1(99), 1-5. PDF (532 kB)
Semken, S. (2009). Putting Earth science back in its place. Arizona Geology. Online essay
Semken, S., Dodick, J., Ben-David, O., Pineda, M.*, Bueno Watts, N.*, & Alvarado, C.* (2009). Timeline and time-scale cognition experiments for a geological interpretative exhibit at Grand Canyon. Proceedings of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Garden Grove, California. PDF (199 kB)
Brand, B.D.*, Clarke, A.B., & Semken, S. (2009). Eruptive dynamics and depositional processes of Narbona Pass maar volcano, Navajo volcanic field, Navajo Nation, New Mexico (USA). Bulletin of Volcanology, 71(1), 49-77, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-008-0209-y.
Karlstrom, K., Semken, S., Crossey, L., Perry, D., Gyllenhaal, E. D., Dodick, J., Williams, M., Hellmich-Bryan, J., Crow, R., Bueno Watts, N.*, & Ault, C. (2008). Informal geoscience education on a grand scale: the Trail of Time exhibition at Grand Canyon. Journal of Geoscience Education, 56(4), 354-361, https://doi.org/10.5408/informal_geoscience_education_
Semken, S., & Butler Freeman, C.* (2008). Sense of place in the practice and assessment of place-based science teaching. Science Education, 92(6), 1042-1057, https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.20279.
Bueno Watts, N.F.*, Semken, S., Pineda, M.*, & Alvarado, C.* (2008). Visitors’ geological conceptions and meaning making at Petrified Forest National Park. Proceedings of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Baltimore, Maryland. PDF (131 kB)
Semken, S. (2008). A sense of the Southwest. Newsletter, Bioregional Outdoor Education Project, 9(3), 1-12. PDF (624 kB)
Semken, S., Fouch, M., Garnero, E., Zah, P., & Lippert, D. (2007). Meshing American Indian concerns with goals of EarthScope's USArray. Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union, 88(31), 309-310, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007EO310001.
Semken, S., & Butler Freeman, C.L.* (2007). Cognitive and affective outcomes of a Southwest place-based approach to teaching introductory geoscience. Proceedings of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, New Orleans, Louisiana. PDF (215 kB)
Butler Freeman, C.L.*, Semken, S., Lawson, A., Oehrtman, M., Schaufele, C., & Jensen, J.* (2007). How old is the Earth: an exploration of geologic time through place-based inquiry. Proceedings of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, New Orleans, Louisiana. PDF (205 kB)
Gonzales, D., & Semken, S. (2006). Integrating undergraduate education and scientific discovery through field research in igneous petrology. Journal of Geoscience Education, 54, 133-142, https://doi.org/10.5408/1089-9995-54.2.133.
Hahn, D.*, Brem, S.K., & Semken, S. (2005). Exploring the social, moral, and temporal qualities of pre-service teachers’ narratives of evolution. Journal of Geoscience Education, 53, 456-461, https://doi.org/10.5408/1089-9995-53.4.456.
Semken, S. (2005). Sense of place and place-based introductory geoscience teaching for American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduates. Journal of Geoscience Education, 53, 149-157, https://doi.org/10.5408/1089-9995-53.2.149.
Wilson, D., Aster, R., West, M., Ni, J., Grand, S., Gao, W., Baldridge, W.S., Semken, S., & Patel, P. (2005). Lithospheric structure of the Río Grande Rift. Nature, 433, 851-855, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature03297.
Wilson, D., Aster, R., Ni, J., Grand, S., West, M., Gao, W., Baldridge, W.S., & Semken, S. (2005). Imaging the seismic structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath the Great Plains, Río Grande Rift, and Colorado Plateau using receiver functions. Journal of Geophysical Research, 110, B05306, https://doi.org/0.1029/2004JB003492.
Lucas, S.G., Semken, S.C., Berglof, W.R., & Ulmer-Scholle, D.S. (Eds.). (2003). Geology of the Zuni Plateau: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 54. Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/54/.
Semken, S. (2003). Black rocks protruding up: the Navajo volcanic field. In S.G. Lucas, S.C. Semken, W.R. Berglof, & D.S. Ulmer-Scholle (Eds.), Geology of the Zuni Plateau: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 54 (pp. 133-138). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/downloads/54/54_p0133_p0138.pdf.
Blackhorse, A.**, Semken, S., & Charley, P. (2003). A Navajo-English thesaurus of geological terms. In S.G. Lucas, S.C. Semken, W.R. Berglof, & D.S. Ulmer-Scholle (Eds.), Geology of the Zuni Plateau: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 54 (pp. 103-108). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/downloads/54/54_p0103_p0107.pdf.
Heckert, A.B., Kues, B.S., & Semken, S. C. (2003). From Bear Spring to Fort Wingate. In S.G. Lucas, S. C. Semken, W.R. Berglof, & D.S. Ulmer-Scholle (Eds.), Geology of the Zuni Plateau: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 54 (pp. 37-40). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/54/.
Lucas, S.G., Heckert, A.B., Berglof, W.R., Kues, B.S., Crumpler, L.S., Aubele, J.C., McLemore, V.T., Owen, D.E., & Semken, S. C. (2003). Second-day road log, from Gallup to Fort Wingate, Sixmile Canyon, Ciniza, Red Rock Park, Church Rock, White Mesa, Thoreau, and Grants. In S.G. Lucas, S. C. Semken, W.R. Berglof, & D.S. Ulmer-Scholle (Eds.), Geology of the Zuni Plateau: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 54 (pp. 35-68). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/54/.
Lucas, S.G., Semken, S. C., Heckert, A.B., Berglof, W.R., Hoffman, G., Kues, B.S., Crumpler, L.S., & Aubele, J.C. (2003). First-day road log, from Gallup to Gamerco, Yah-Ta-Hey, Window Rock, Fort Defiance, Navajo, Todilto Park, Crystal, Narbona Pass, Sheep Springs, Tohatchi, and Gallup. In S.G. Lucas, S. C. Semken, W.R. Berglof, & D.S. Ulmer-Scholle (Eds.), Geology of the Zuni Plateau: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 54 (pp. 1-34). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/54/.
Gok, R., Ni, J., West, M., Sandvol, E., Wilson, D., Aster, R., Baldridge, W.S., Grand, S., Gao, W., Tillman, F., & Semken, S. (2003). Shear-wave splitting and mantle flow beneath LA RISTRA. Geophysical Research Letters, 30(12), 1614, DOI 10.1029/2002GL016616. PDF (142 kB)
Riggs, E., & Semken, S. (2003). Earth science education for Native Americans. Newsletter, Bioregional Outdoor Education Project, 4(3), 1-10. PDF (664 kB)
Wilson, D., Leon, J., Aster, R., Ni, J., Schlue, J., Grand, S., Semken, S., Baldridge, S., & Gao, W. (2002). Broadband seismic background noise at temporary seismic stations observed on a regional scale in the southwestern United States. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 92(8), 3335-3341, https://doi.org/10.1785/0120010234.
Hall-Wallace, M., Benthien, M., Boyd, T., Marvinney, R., Meertens, C., Semken, S., Taber, J., & Wald, L. (2002). EarthScope education and outreach program plan. Washington, DC: EarthScope. PDF (8.96 MB)
Semken, S., & Gonzales, D. (2002, October 15). Rainbows in the rocks. Daily Times, Farmington, New Mexico, pp. A1, A5.
Semken, S. C. (2002). Citation: National Association of Geoscience Teachers 2001 Neil Miner Award. Journal of Geoscience Education, 50, 221-223.
Semken, S. C. (2002). Ch’óoshgai doo Tsézhiin ‘íí ‘áhí: the Chuska Mountains, Defiance Plateau, and Navajo Volcanic Field: Western Slope Intercollegiate Field Conference Guidebook 14. Shiprock, NM: Diné College.
Semken, S. C. (2001). Comments on a list of references on science teaching and Native cultures. Tribal College Journal, 12, 7.
Semken, S. C., Drummond, C., & Harder, V. (2001). The National Association of Geoscience Teachers: dedicated to geoscience education. GSA (Geological Society of America) Today, 11(10), 53, https://www.geosociety.org/gsatoday/archive/11/10/pdf/gt0110.pdf.
Riggs, E. M., & Semken, S. C. (2001). Culture and science: Earth science for Native Americans. Geotimes, 46, 14-17, http://www.geotimes.org/sept01/feature_native_education.html.
Semken, S. C. (2001). The Navajo volcanic field. In L.S. Crumpler & S.G. Lucas (Eds.), Volcanology in New Mexico: Bulletin 18 (pp. 79-83), Albuquerque, NM: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, https://econtent.unm.edu/digital/collection/bulletins/id/847.
Reynolds, S. J., & Semken, S. C. (2000). Rocks before terms and tables—from the concrete to the abstract. Journal of Geoscience Education, 48, 572, https://doi.org/10.5408/1089-9995-48.5.572a.
Semken, S. C. (Ed.). (2000). Some great ideas for geoscience teachers [special issue]. Journal of Geoscience Education, 48(5), https://doi.org/10.5408/1089-9995-48.5.570a.
Semken, S. C. (1999). Aboriginal cultures and Earth science. GSA (Geological Society of America) Today, 9(8), 18. PDF (27 kB)
Semken, S. C. (1999). Oxygen. In C. P. Marshall & R. W. Fairbridge (Eds.), Encyclopedia of geochemistry (pp. 467-469): Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Kelly, M., Ort, M., Tashiro, J., & Semken, S. (1999). VR excursions: Exploring Earth’s environment. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall. Find a copy
Dubiel, R. F., Hasiotis, S. T., & Semken, S. C. (1997). Hands-on geology for Navajo Nation teachers. Journal of Geoscience Education, 45, 113-116, https://doi.org/10.5408/1089-9995-45.2.113.
Semken, S. C., & Morgan, F. (1997). Navajo pedagogy and Earth systems. Journal of Geoscience Education, 45, 109-112, https://doi.org/10.5408/1089-9995-45.2.109.
Semken, S. C. (1997). NAGT/GSA symposium on geoscience education in Native American communities. Journal of Geoscience Education, 45, 104-105, https://doi.org/10.5408/1089-9995-45.2.104.
Tsosie, B.**, Semken, S., & Harrison, B. (1997). The Shiprock uranium-mill tailings remedial action (UMTRA) site. In O. J. Anderson, B. S. Kues, & S. G. Lucas (Eds.), Mesozoic geology and paleontology of the Four Corners region: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 48 (pp. 279-281). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/downloads/48/48_p0279_p0281.pdf.
Semken, S. C., & McIntosh, W. C. (1997). 40Ar/39Ar age determinations for the Carrizo Mountains laccolith, Navajo Nation, Arizona. In O. J. Anderson, B. S. Kues, & S .G. Lucas (Eds.), Mesozoic geology and paleontology of the Four Corners region: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 48 (pp. 75-80). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/downloads/48/48_p0075_p0080.pdf.
Anderson, O. J., Lucas, S. G., Semken, S. C., Chenoweth, W. L., & Black, B. A. (1997). Third-day road log, from Durango, Colorado, to Aztec, Farmington, and Shiprock, New Mexico. In O. J. Anderson, B. S. Kues, & S. G. Lucas (Eds.), Mesozoic geology and paleontology of the Four Corners region: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 48 (pp. 35-56). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/48/.
Lucas, S.G., Anderson, O.J., Leckie, R.M., Wright-Dunbar, R., & Semken, S.C. (1997). Second-day road log, from Cortez, Colorado, to Mesa Verde National Park, Mancos, and Durango. In O.J. Anderson, B.S. Kues, & S.G. Lucas (Eds.), Mesozoic geology and paleontology of the Four Corners region: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 48 (pp. 19-33). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/48/.
Anderson, O. J., Lucas, S. G., Chenoweth, W. L., & Semken, S. C. (1997). First-day road log, from Cortez, Colorado, to Montezuma Creek, Bluff, Aneth, and Four Corners. In O. J. Anderson, B. S. Kues, & S. G. Lucas (Eds.), Mesozoic geology and paleontology of the Four Corners region: New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 48 (pp. 1-18). Socorro, NM: New Mexico Geological Society, https://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/48/.
Ridgway, K., Dowse, M., Geary, E. E., Maxson, J., Semken, S., Stephenson-Hawk, D., & Winkler, J. (1997). How can we increase diversity, recruitment, and retention of students in the Earth and space sciences? In M. F. W. Ireton, C. A. Manduca, & D. W. Mogk (Eds.). Shaping the future of undergraduate Earth science education: Innovation and change using an Earth system approach (pp. 39-43). Washington, DC: American Geophysical Union, https://serc.carleton.edu/shapingfuture/panel6.html.
Semken, S. C. (1996). Introduction to the geology and hydrogeology of northwestern New Mexico. Proceedings, New Mexico Water Conference, New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute, 13-21.
Brown, L. F., Hickmott, D. D., Currier, R. P., Semken, S. C., Lameman, T.**, Martin, S.**, & Yazzie, S.** (1996). Reducing adverse health effects and improving performance of stoves on the Navajo Reservation: a plan for action (Report LA-UR-96-4016). Los Alamos, NM: Los Alamos National Laboratory. PDF (24.7 MB)
Semken, S. (1996, February 2). Creationist beliefs refuted. Daily Times, Farmington, New Mexico, p. B4.
Semken, S. (1996, January 12). Scientists are curious human beings. Daily Times, Farmington, New Mexico, p. B4.
Semken, S. C., & Oversby, V. M. (1994). Coal ash as a naturally-occurring radioactive material—regulation before research? Proceedings, 29th Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, 48-50.
Semken, S. C. (1992). Looking after the land. Tribal College Journal, 3, 11-12, https://tribalcollegejournal.org/land-navajo-dryland-environments-laboratory-researches-environmental-navajo-nation/.
Semken, S. C., Slate, C., & Crank, L., Jr.**. (1992). Geologic road log from Shiprock to Chinle, Navajo Nation. In S. C. Semken (Ed.), Ti’ Diné bitsé’ dadíníil’: Field guide to a geologic excursion in the northeastern Navajo Nation: Western Slope Intercollegiate Field Conference Guidebook 4 (pp. 5-32). Shiprock, NM: Navajo Community College.
Semken, S. C. (Ed.). (1992). Ti’ Diné bitsé’ dadíníil’: Field guide to a geologic excursion in the northeastern Navajo Nation: Western Slope Intercollegiate Field Conference Guidebook 4. Shiprock, NM: Navajo Community College.
Wuensch, B. J., Semken, S. C., Uchikoba, F., & Yoo, H-I. (1991). The mechanisms for self-diffusion in magnesium oxide. Ceramic Transactions, 24, 79-89. PDF (836 kb)
Farmer, G. L., Perry, F. V., Semken, S., Crowe, B., Curtis, D., & DePaolo, D. J. (1989). Isotopic evidence on the structure and origin of subcontinental lithospheric mantle in southern Nevada. Journal of Geophysical Research, 94 (B6), 7885-7898, https://doi.org/10.1029/JB094iB06p07885.
Ingel, R. P., Lewis, D., III, Bender, B. A., & Semken, S. C. (1988). Properties and microstructures of rapidly solidified zirconia-based ceramic alloys. In S. Somiya (Ed.), Science and technology of zirconia III: Advances in Ceramics 24 (pp. 385-396). Cincinnati, OH: American Ceramic Society. PDF (1.25 MB)
Semken, S. C. (1983). Geology of Cima Dome, Cima Volcanic Field, Afton Canyon, and Manix Fault areas, California. In D. Casebier (Ed.), Guide to the Mojave Road (pp. 137, 173-174, 177, 216-219). Los Angeles: Mojave Road Publications.
Sclater, J. G., Royden, L., Horváth, F., Burchfiel, B. C., Semken, S., & Stegena, L. (1980). The formation of the intra-Carpathian basins as determined from subsidence data. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 51, 139-162, https://doi.org/10.1016/0012-821X(80)90262-9.
Please refer to my CV for details on research funding.
Courses
2026 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 592 | Research |
2026 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
2025 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| GLG 301 | Earth Science in AZ & the SW |
| GLG 598 | Special Topics |
| SES 792 | Research |
2025 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 592 | Research |
2025 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 493 | Honors Thesis |
2024 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 121 | Earth, Solar System & Universe |
| GLG 301 | Earth Science in AZ & the SW |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| SES 692 | Research |
| GLG 598 | Special Topics |
2024 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 592 | Research |
2024 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
2023 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| GLG 301 | Earth Science in AZ & the SW |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| SES 692 | Research |
| GLG 598 | Special Topics |
| SES 492 | Honors Directed Study |
2023 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 592 | Research |
2023 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 124 | History Earth&Solar System Lab |
| SES 124 | History Earth&Solar System Lab |
| SES 122 | History of Earth&Solar System |
| SES 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
2022 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| GLG 301 | Earth Science in AZ & the SW |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SOS 372 | Earth Science in AZ & the SW |
| SES 692 | Research |
| GLG 598 | Special Topics |
2022 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 592 | Research |
2022 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 124 | History Earth&Solar System Lab |
| SES 124 | History Earth&Solar System Lab |
| SES 122 | History of Earth&Solar System |
| SES 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 599 | Thesis |
| SES 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| SES 593 | Applied Project |
2021 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| GLG 301 | Earth Science in AZ & the SW |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SOS 372 | Earth Science in AZ & the SW |
| SES 692 | Research |
| GLG 598 | Special Topics |
2021 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 592 | Research |
2021 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 124 | History Earth&Solar System Lab |
| SES 124 | History Earth&Solar System Lab |
| SES 122 | History of Earth&Solar System |
| SES 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 599 | Thesis |
| ENG 394 | Special Topics |
| SES 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| GLG 394 | Special Topics |
Invited Talks and Colloquia
Note: ¶ denotes a presentation as National Association of Geoscience Teachers Distinguished Speaker, § denotes a presentation as EarthScope Speaker, and # denotes an online presentation.
2024
Yale University.
Northern Arizona University.
2023
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Terrascope Program, Field Project on Navajo Nation.
2022
VI Simpósio Brasiliero de Patrimônio Geológico (6th Brazilian Geological Heritage Symposium), São Paulo, Brazil, Invited Speaker#. https://6sbpg.igc.usp.br/participantes/palestrantes/#StevenSemken.
University of Minnesota Graduate Student Symposium, Keynote Speaker#.
Geological Society of Minnesota#.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College#.
2021
University of Wyoming: for online multi-university seminar Diversity and Inclusion in Geoscience#.
AGU Sharing Science Webinar: Honoring Living Landscapes with Stories#.
National Park Service, Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments, Geological Training Webinar#.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Roundtable on Systemic Change in Undergraduate STEM Education#.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology#.
UNESCO Geoheritage for Resilience to Geohazards Webinar Series#.
Paleontological Research Institution: Science in the Virtual Pub#.
2020
NAGT On the Cutting Edge Webinar on Developing a Sense of Place During Distance Learning, Invited Speaker#.
University of Wisconsin-Madison#.
Algoma University#.
National Academy of Sciences, National Park Service, U. S. Geological Survey, and American Geosciences Institute, America’s Geoheritage Workshop II, Distinguished Speaker#.
Grand Canyon National Park, National Park Service: Virtual Grand Canyon GeoFest 2020#.
University of New Mexico#.
Ecological Society of America Virtual Water Cooler Chat: Connecting to Place—Virtually#.
2019
Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists, Phoenix Chapter.
Mapping Grand Canyon Conference, Arizona State University (invited speaker).
2018
University of Vermont.
Northern Arizona University.
Puerto Rico Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, Universidad de Puerto Rico.
2017
University of Colorado, Boulder.
James Madison University§.
University of Missouri§.
University of Texas, Arlington§.
University of Arizona.
Michigan State University§.
2016
35th International Geological Congress, Cape Town, South Africa, Invited Keynote Speaker.
Grand Canyon National Park, Office of Interpretation, National Park Service.
2015
EarthScope National Meeting, Stowe, VT, Invited Plenary Speaker.
2014
Arizona Western College, Faculty Professional Development, Invited Keynote Speaker.
2013
Purdue University.
Invited Keynote Speaker, America’s Geologic Heritage Invitational Workshop, National Academy of Sciences, U. S. Geological Society, National Park Service, American Geosciences Institute, and Colorado Geological Survey, Lakewood, CO.
2012
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Stout Lecture Series.
2011
University of Oklahoma, Native Science Series.
2009
NAGT/NSF On the Cutting Edge Workshop on the Affective Domain, Mesa Community College, Invited Keynote Speaker.
2008
Hetao University (Bayonnaer, Inner Mongolia, China).
Ningxia University (Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui, China).
Northwest University for Nationalities (Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui, China).
University of Northern Colorado.
2006
University of Oklahoma.
New Mexico State University.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
2005
Diné College.
2004
Mesa Community College.
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute.
Fort Lewis College.
2003
New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources.
University of North Dakota.
2002
Navajo Nation Department of Health.
University of Arizona.
University of New Mexico.
2000
Prescott College¶.
San Juan College.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management.
Northwest Indian College¶.
1999
Snow College¶.
University of California, Riverside¶.
Northeastern State University (Oklahoma)¶.
1998
Colorado College¶.
Mount Holyoke College¶.
Northern Arizona University.
1997
Cerritos College¶.
Michigan Technological University¶.
Hamilton College¶.
University of Delaware¶.
University of British Columbia¶.
Public Talks, Workshops, Hikes, and Field Trips Led for Community Education and Outreach
Recurring Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Superior, AZ, and
Lost Dutchman State Park/Superstition Wilderness, Pinal County, AZ.
(Since 2009, I have led hikes for public outreach an average of 5 times/yr in these parks)
2022
Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood, AZ.
Superior Chamber of Commerce, Superior, AZ.
2021
STEM Summer Scholars Academy, Passaic County Community College, Paterson, NJ.
Many Farms Chapter Summer Student Program, Many Farms, Navajo Nation, AZ.
Lifelong Learning at PebbleCreek, Goodyear, AZ.
2020
STEM Summer Scholars Academy, Passaic County Community College, Paterson, NJ.
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ.
Lifelong Learning at PebbleCreek, Goodyear, AZ.
2019
Beaver Creek Trails Coalition, Lake Montezuma, AZ.
"Voice of Democracy Arizona" radio program, KFNX-AM, Phoenix, AZ.
Herberger Institute of Design and the Arts Outreach Day, Arizona State University.
Superior Chamber of Commerce, Superior, AZ.
Community STEAM Night, Pascua Yaqui Tribal Center, Guadalupe, AZ.
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ.
2018
Beaver Creek Trails Coalition, Lake Montezuma, AZ.
Superstition Area Land Trust, Apache Junction, AZ.
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ.
Herberger Institute of Design and the Arts Outreach Day, Arizona State University.
Community STEAM Night, Pascua Yaqui Tribal Center, Guadalupe, AZ.
2016
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ.
Grand Canyon National Park Public Programs, AZ.
Legends of Superior Trail Ecotourism Festival, Superior, AZ.
Superstition Area Land Trust, Apache Junction, AZ.
2015
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ.
Scientific Panelist, Phoenix Comic-Con, Phoenix, AZ.
Legends of Superior Trail Ecotourism Festival, Superior, AZ.
2014
Annual Great Arizona ShakeOut EarthScope Public Event, ASU, Tempe, AZ.
Legends of Superior Trail Ecotourism Festival, Superior, AZ.
Central Arizona Geology Club, Prescott, AZ.
2013
Annual Great Arizona ShakeOut EarthScope Public Event, ASU, Tempe, AZ.
Bullion Plaza Historical Museum, Miami, AZ.
Legends of Superior Trail Ecotourism Festival, Superior, AZ.
2012
Annual Great Arizona ShakeOut EarthScope Public Event, ASU, Tempe, AZ.
Legends of Superior Trail Ecotourism Festival, Superior, AZ.
2011
Sun City Anthem Hiking Club, Florence, AZ.
2010
Arcadia Neighborhood Learning Center, Scottsdale, AZ.
2009
Southwest Cultures Club, Fountain Hills, AZ.
2008
International Yin Shan Rock Art Scientific Inspection, Inner Mongolia, China.
Yinchuan Middle School #1, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui, China.
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Scottsdale.
2005
ASU President’s Community Enrichment Program, Heard Museum, Phoenix.
Pueblo Grande Museum, Phoenix.
2004
Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science, Austin, TX.
Four Corners Geological Society, Farmington, NM.
2000
American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Gallup, NM.
1997
Society of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, Albuquerque, NM.
Other ASU Teaching Activities
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Arizona State University: I taught a short course for community members, A Geological Narrative of Arizona and the Southwest at Tempe Public Library, Tempe, AZ, in Spring 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018; a colloquium, Geologic History of Grand Canyon, at Maravilla, Scottsdale, AZ, Summer 2017; and a colloquium, Volcanoes of Arizona, Online, Fall 2020 and Spring 2021.
Physics of Earth and Planetary Surfaces and Interiors (PEPSI) Seminar Series: Organized and ran this weekly seminar series in the School of Earth and Space Exploration during the Spring 2007 semester.
Curriculum and Program Development
Created or co-created and piloted these new courses for the School of Earth and Space Exploration, School of Sustainability, and Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at ASU:
Earth Science in Arizona and the Southwest (GLG 301/SOS 372; 3 credit major elective course); a Southwest place-based Earth system science and environmental geoscience course; it was approved for credit toward the Science and Society requirement in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and is cross-listed in the ASU School of Sustainability.
Teaching Earth and Space Sciences (SES 494, to be renumbered SES 480; 3 credit major seminar course); a revised research-based instructional methods course for pre-service teachers.
Exploration of Science Teaching (SES 111/SED 111; 1-credit practicum); this course affords potential pre-service teachers the opportunity to experience student teaching early in the program. Co-developed with Julie Luft.
Directed the design and 2006-07 implementation, and the 2009-2010 revision, of the Bachelor of Arts in Education/Initial Teacher Certification degree program in Secondary Earth and Space Sciences Education (a joint degree with the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College).
Developed and piloted new courses Exploration of Science Teaching, Teaching Earth and Space Sciences, Situating Earth and Space Sciences in the Southwest, and Connecting Biology, Geology, and Mathematics under the auspices of the Center for Research on Education in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology (CRESMET) at ASU. The latter two courses are specifically aimed at in-service middle-school and high-school teachers. I taught the two courses for in-service teachers in school districts in Chandler, Mesa, Superior, and San Carlos Apache Nation, AZ. The latter two are high-need, minority-majority school districts.
Infused Southwestern place-based teaching and learning approach into large-lecture Introduction to Physical Geology (GLG 101) and Introduction to Historical Geology (GLG 102) courses in SESE to enhance relevance to students.
Collaborator in the ASU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Information Infusion Initiative (CLAS I3) during 2003 and 2004, helping to develop Information Literacy standards for CLAS curricula and disseminating Information Literacy resources to colleagues.
Guided implementation of Blackboard course management software and student response systems (“clickers”) by School of Earth and Space Exploration faculty, under the auspices of the CLAS I3. Presented several day-long Blackboard training sessions for faculty colleagues. Installed response-system receivers in lecture rooms with funding from a CLAS Quality of Undergraduate Instruction grant.
Educator, Interpreter, and Researcher Professional-Development Workshops Organized and Led
2021
Co-organized and co-led a Workshop on Preparing for Student Creation of Virtual Contexts for Exploring Geoscience Environments at the Online 2021 Earth Educators’ Rendezvous, July 2021.
2020
Co-organized and co-led a Mini-Workshop on Applying the ICAP Theory of Cognitive Engagement to Active Geoscience Learning at the Online 2020 Earth Educators’ Rendezvous, July 2020.
Co-organized and co-led a Roundtable Discussion on Place-Based Geoscience Teaching at the Online 2020 Earth Educators’ Rendezvous, July 2020.
Co-facilitated an online Teacher Professional Development Workshop in Classroom-Created Virtual Contexts for Somerset County, Maryland, Schools, organized by the American Geosciences Institute, June-August 2020.
2019
Co-organized and co-led the International Association for Geoscience Diversity Accessible Geologic Field Trip to Petrified Forest National Park, Geological Society of America 131st Annual Meeting,Phoenix, AZ, September 2019.
2018
Co-organized and co-led the Geological Society of America GeoTeachers Professional Development Field Workshop in Northern Arizona, July 2018.
2017
Co-organized and co-led a Workshop on Place, Cultural Context, and Geoscience Teaching at the 2017 Earth Educators’ Rendezvous, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, July 2017.
Co-facilitated a Workshop on Geoscience Education Research Grand Challenges and Strategies at the 2017 Earth Educators’ Rendezvous, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, July 2017.
2016
Organized and led a Mini-Workshop on Place-Based Teaching in Support of Sustainability at the 2016 Earth Educators’ Rendezvous, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, July 2016.
Co-organized and co-led a Field Workshop on Earth Science and Mathematics from Native and Western Perspectives under the auspices of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education, University of Utah, San Juan County, UT, June 2016.
2015
Co-organized and co-led a Planetary Geology Field Expedition for U.S. in-service secondary-school Earth and Space Science teachers, under the auspices of the NASA-American Geosciences Institute-Arizona State University Triad Program, Flagstaff, AZ, August 2015.
Co-organized and led a Midwest Native Science Educators Workshop for in-service secondary-school and middle-school science teachers of Native American students, under the auspices of the EarthScope National Office Education and Outreach Program, Leech Lake Ojibwe Reservation, Cass Lake, MN, August 2015.
Co-organized and co-led a Field Workshop on Earth Science from Native and Western Perspectivesunder the auspices of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education, University of Utah, San Juan County, UT, June 2015.
Co-organized and led a Southwest Native Science Educators Workshop for in-service secondary-school and middle-school science teachers of Native American students, under the auspices of the EarthScope National Office Education and Outreach Program, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, March 2015.
2014
Co-organized and co-led a Teacher Leadership Academy in Earth and Space Sciences for U.S. in-service secondary-school Earth and Space Science teachers, under the auspices of the NASA-American Geosciences Institute-Arizona State University Triad Program, NASA Wallops Space Flight Center, VA, August 2014.
Co-organized and led the Alaska-Yukon Earth Science Workshop for Interpretive Professionals under the auspices of the EarthScope National Office Education and Outreach Program, Anchorage, AK, April 2014.
Co-hosted and co-facilitated the NAGT/NSF InTeGrate Workshop on “Broadening Access to the Earth and Environmental Sciences: Increasing the Diversity of Undergraduate Students Learning About the Earth,” Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, February 2014.
2013
Co-organized and led the Northeastern Earth Science Workshop for Interpretive Professionals under the auspices of the EarthScope National Office Education and Outreach Program, Acadia National Park, ME, September 2013.
Co-organized and co-led a Teacher Leadership Academy in Earth and Space Sciences for U.S. in-service secondary-school Earth and Space Science teachers, under the auspices of the NASA-American Geosciences Institute-Arizona State University Triad Program, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, CA, August 2013.
Co-organized and co-led a Teacher Field Workshop on Earth and Biological Sciences: Exploring Western and Navajo Perspectives under the auspices of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education, University of Utah, San Juan County, UT, June 2013.
Co-organized and led the Southeastern Earth Science Workshop for Interpretive Professionals under the auspices of the EarthScope National Office Education and Outreach Program, Charleston, SC, January 2013.
2012
Organized and presented a Professional Development Workshop on Active Learning Strategies for Geoscience Teaching for college faculty at the Geological Society of America Rocky Mountain Section Meeting, Albuquerque, NM, May 2012.
Co-organized and led the Central Appalachian Earth Science Workshop for Interpretive Professionals under the auspices of the EarthScope National Office Education and Outreach Program, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, March 2012.
Hosted and co-facilitated the NAGT/NSF On The Cutting Edge Workshop on “Teaching About Time,” Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, February 2012.
2011
Co-organized and co-led a Teacher Leadership Academy in Earth and Space Sciences for U.S. in-service secondary-school Earth and Space Science teachers, under the auspices of the NASA-American Geosciences Institute-Arizona State University Triad Program, NASA Johnson Space Flight Center, TX, August 2011.
Co-organized and led a Teacher Leadership Academy in Earth and Space Sciences and posts-Academy Field Trip for U.S. in-service secondary-school Earth and Space Science teachers, under the auspices of the NASA-American Geosciences Institute-ASU Triad Program, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, June 2011.
Presented webinar on The Energy-Water Nexus: A theme for interdisciplinary Earth Science inquiry for the NAGT/NSF On the Cutting Edge Climate and Energy Webinar Series, April 2011.
2010
Co-organized and co-facilitated the NAGT/NSF On the Cutting Edge Workshop on Preparation for Academic Careers, Stanford University, July 2010.
2009
Co-organized and co-led the Colorado Plateau-Río Grande Rift Earth Science Workshop for Interpretative Professionals under the auspices of the EarthScope National Office Education and Outreach Program, Albuquerque, NM, October 2009.
Co-organized and co-led the EarthScope Geoscience Professional Development Workshop for Native American K-12 teachers under the auspices of the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Siting Outreach Program, Flagstaff, AZ, September 2009.
2002
Co-organized and co-facilitated the NAGT/NSF On the Cutting Edge Workshop for Early-Career Geoscience Faculty, College of William & Mary, July 2002.
2001
Co-organized and co-facilitated the NAGT/NSF On the Cutting Edge Workshop for Early-Career Geoscience Faculty, College of William & Mary, July 2001.
Other Contributions to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Invited Discussant for a topical session on Culture, Context and Science Assessments: Obstacles or Opportunities for Glocalization? at the Annual Meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) in San Antonio, April 2017.
Invited Discussant for a topical session on Culture, Language, Practices, and Place in STEM Education: Indigenous and Place-Based Approaches from the Pacific and Americas at the Annual Meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) in Chicago, April 2015.
Invited Discussant for a topical session on Science Learning Within Cultures: What does it mean to ‘do science’ for different cultures around the world?, at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) in San Francisco, April 2013.
Please refer to current posted Curriculum Vitae under Biography tab.
Please refer to current posted Curriculum Vitae under Biography tab.
Please refer to current posted Curriculum Vitae under Biography tab.
Please refer to current posted Curriculum Vitae under Biography tab.
Please refer to current posted Curriculum Vitae under Biography tab.
Please refer to current posted Curriculum Vitae under Biography tab.