Earth & Environmental Sciences

The Earth & Environmental Science Department houses three majors the Bachelor of Science in Earth Science; the Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science; and the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Students in these majors learn how Earth and the environment have evolved and continue to evolve; how Earth systems, including human agents, interact to produce the environment in which we live; and how present and future changes may impact the habitability of Earth.

Erik Klemetti , Associate Professor, Chair of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Geoscien…

Mary Lucas-Miller ’97 , Program Coordinator

Highlights

Field Trips

Virtual Earth Material Gallery

Each semester you can explore the world on field trips and in classes with Earth & Environmental Sciences faculty.

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Spotlights

The science behind the art of writing

The course emphasizes storytelling for scientists looking to publicize their work and teaches storytellers how to write about science with more expertise.

Students search for the source of killer earthquakes

A geology field trip to the Andes seeks to better understand the sources of major earthquakes and save lives.

Caroline Lopez and professor Dave Goodwin

Student research makes a splash in Raccoon Creek

For Caroline Lopez ’25, summer means working alongside a favorite professor as part of Denison’s Summer Scholars program.

6 questions with Earth and Environmental Sciences’ David Goodwin

The professor discusses his department’s rebrand, the growing interest in environmental issues, and his feelings on cell phones.

Unearthing the mystery of volcanic eruptions

Professor Erik Klemetti is winning awards for writing about his favorite research topic: volcanoes.

Exploring the Mississippi Delta

An NSF grant gives students a rare opportunity to study the impact of geologic processes in real time.

Elliot Hayne aboard the SSV Robert C. Seamans

How We Learn

Geoscience Major Elliot Hayne ’20 Conducts Research in the Pacific

Elliot Hayne ’20, a geosciences major, sailed with SEA Semester on a scientific research voyage to the remote Phoenix Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

How We Learn

Geologic History Intersects the Modern Era

A geology student with a talent for journalism uncovers the recent past through WWII letters between a professor and his wife.

How We Learn

Revealing the Real Richard III

King Richard III is one of the most talked-about figures in history. Denison students find that the famous monarch may not be who we thought he was.

How We Learn

Dear College Student: Why you should take geology

In a Wired blog, Geosciences Professor Erik Klemetti extolls the benefits of geology.

Where We Go

Geologist/best-selling writer

A Colorado geologist moonlights as a successful mystery writer.

How We Learn

Economy as an Ecosystem

The odd pairing of an economist and a paleontologist proves successful

How We Learn

Liz Bertolett, '15

I love geology because I enjoy learning about the world around me while being able to experience the things I learn first-hand.

How We Learn

Al Weik: Portrait of a scholar-athlete

Senior Al Weik recently won two national swimming championship events. But he's also a person who is very grounded in geosciences.

Erik Klemetti, assistant professor of geoscience

How We Learn

Daily Beast Features Denison Earthquake Expert

The Daily Beast calls on Erik Klemetti for clarification of the causes of the tragic and disastrous earthquakes experienced in Chile and other places.

What's Happening

In the News

Denisonians to shine at national awards gala for women

Denison tennis serves up get-togethers generations in the making

From Swasey Chapel to the National Cathedral

Earth & Environmental Sciences