Dear Alumni and Friends,

Over the last year I have had the opportunity to do a lot of traveling, visiting fourteen institutions across the country. It is fascinating to see what Earth scientists are doing to build our knowledge and technology. Our multifaceted science offers real applications to issues of water and air quality, petroleum resources, natural disasters, global warming, and stewardship of the environment. One way we help affect positive change is through our students. The accomplishments of our alumni are impressive, and attest to the quality of their training. I see the enthusiasm of new students sharing their newest discoveries at professional meetings, or sharing why they like geoscience and geoengineering at public outreach events. It is satisfying to see students doing what they enjoy and making a career with concepts they’ve learned in Earth Science (whether they go on to be scientists, doctors, lawyers, business folks, or parents who share their enthusiasm for the outdoors). Our new programs will continue to add to the success of the next generation of alumni.

Sometimes what first gets students interested in Earth Science is a fascination with fossils. The environmental indicators surrounding fossils have become increasingly important in developing models to understand fossil context. Fossils are both an important scientific resource and are avidly collected by enthusiastic non-scientists as well. In this issue we highlight some exciting new discoveries documented in the fossil context. I hope you enjoy the stories in this issue as well as our news. We hope to see many of you at some of our alumni functions associated with national meetings. Please continue to keep in touch, as we always enjoy hearing from our alumni!

Best wishes, Marjorie A. Chan
Professor and Department Chair