◊ LA ROCS Docs
(a.k.a Steering Committee)

I first decided that I wanted to be a geologist during a Brown University departmental field trip to the White Mountains in New Hampshire. It was my second week in Physical Geology, and although I was utterly lost and confused, I was captivated by the enthusiasm of the professor and his seemingly amazing ability to “read” the rocks in the field. Now, as a professor myself, I try to convey that same enthusiasm and geologic curiosity to my students both in the classroom and on the outcrop. In the classroom, I strive to bring geology to life through hands-on activities and group discussions that encourage students to ask questions of me and each other. I believe that integrating these teaching styles with a standard lecture format creates an environment where students feel engaged and comfortable asking questions. Outside the classroom, I lead field trips as an essential tool to introduce students to field geology, to have them collect their own primary data and thereby create their own interpretations based on critical thinking and logical reasoning. In the field, I see my role as a guide (more than a repository of correct answers), helping students to reason their way to their own interpretations. Whether they go on to become earth scientists, journalists, or software engineers, the ability to think critically, to problem-solve, and to effectively convey their ideas are life-skills that extend beyond geology.

joshua.schwartz@csun.edu | www.schwartzpetrology.com

I use GPS and other satellite observations to image the gradual accumulation of tectonic strain along faults, and the release of that strain as earthquakes. My research focuses on mathematical and computational methods to model these observations and better understand earthquake hazard and active plate tectonics.

eileen.evans@csun.edu | website

I grew up in a multi-cultural family and recognize that diversity inspires creativity by encouraging individuals to consider alternative perspectives. Throughout my academic career I have been engaged in science outreach programs such as the Society for Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and the Woods Hole Partnership in Education Program: Increasing Diversity in the Ocean and Environmental Sciences. The ~40 field and lab volunteers I have trained include 25 women, seven Asians, four Latinos, two LGBT students, and one Native American. Furthermore, I recognize that diversity extends beyond socioeconomics, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, and culture – diversity can manifest from circumstance. My sister suffered a traumatic brain injury and her approach to learning is different from that of her peers. I am acutely aware of the impact a mentor’s attitude can have on a student’s self-esteem and determination. Both the cultural and circumstantial diversity in my own background have a profound impact on the way I interface with students.

priya.ganguli@csun.edu | www.priyaganguli.com

My research focuses on past and present tectonic and climatic changes that shape the Earth's surface. To do this, I utilize techniques of basin analysis, magnetostratigraphy, and in-situ 10Be cosmogenic isotopes. When not doing geology, I enjoy bike-riding and hiking with my family.

richard.heermance@csun.edu | website

I am a structural geologist in the Department of Geological Sciences, and my related research interests include mineral physics and petrology. My specialties are microstructural analysis and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis. I am also engaged in interdisciplinary research on environmental justice with colleagues in Chicano/a Studies and Geography. As the only Latinx tenured/tenure-track faculty member in the CSUN Department of Geological Sciences, I am extremely interested in and committed to the career advancement of underrepresented minority people in STEM. I am recognized on campus as a leader in teaching, research, and service contributions, and have been recognized as CSUN's Jerome Richfield Scholar (2007) and most recently in 2020 as the recipient of CSUN's Outstanding Faculty Award for excellence in teaching, research, and service.

elena.miranda@csun.edu | website

I get very excited about geophysical fluid dynamics and study of the Earth and Planetary Interiors. Did you know our planet interior is very active today!? The Earth's liquid iron core splashes around the same as your cup of coffee. I am fascinated by mantle convection and the interaction with plate tectonics. Come visit my lab to try fluid experiments and discover the wonder and beauty of geophysical fluids. I also wear another hat, namely marine seismology. I love to go out on marine research voyages around the world once every few years and toss seismometers in the ocean. Earthquake data from around the world is collected by each instrument and we use the seismic vibrations through the Earth to piece together seismic "images" of plate tectonics. We often discover that plates don't do what we expect! I take a break once a week and play beach volleyball in Malibu. It's beautiful and it's free. Nothing relaxes me quite like the ocean. Oh Yeah.

dsw@csun.edu | website