Scott Hynek Fellow, Dept. of Geology and Geophsics hynek@earth.utah.edu

I’m a geologist primarily interested in continental environments and climates.  I study these themes in the past using stratigraphy and geochemistry.  Some things that I collect when I’m doing fieldwork include volcanic ash, fossil soils, and fossil mammals.  Samples are then analyzed in the laboratory.

The bumps, cuts, bruises, and breaks I earned growing up in a dry, rocky, windy place instilled in me an appreciation of the natural world.  Excellent role models and educators have shown me that a scientific understanding in no way diminishes this appreciation.  I view science as a relationship with the natural world, which grows through investigation and mentoring.  I want to foster science in public schools by enabling students to interact with the world around them.  Occasionally we’ll encounter a “why?” question, and find an answer that makes sense to everyone.