Interested in the Geology or Environmental Geoscience major or minor? You'll find lots of information on the ESCI Majors/Minors page. Current students can view the ESCI Spring 2021 advising video for an overview of the major requirements and the courses that we'll be offering in the spring … [Read more...] about For Current Students
Contact
Email Dr. Pollock at mpollock at wooster dot edu Book a meeting with Dr. Pollock on her bookings site … [Read more...] about Contact
About
Educator. Mentor. Earth Scientist. I'm a volcano-lover with a passion for teaching, undergraduate research, and DEI. My research career began in the deep sea, where I studied mid-ocean ridges in the Pacific. Soon after, I started working in Iceland, first as an analogue for deep sea … [Read more...] about About
Leadership
I am the recent chair of the Department of Earth Sciences at The College of Wooster. In my time as chair, I led the department through a sweeping overhaul of our identity. We created a new mission statement, learning goals, and curriculum that reflect a greater emphasis on human-Earth interactions, … [Read more...] about Leadership
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
I am committed to creating an inclusive community that values human differences and prioritizes equity in opportunity and success. I am the chair of the advisory board for Wooster's STEM Success Initiative, whose mission is "to empower Wooster STEM faculty, staff, and students in cultivating an … [Read more...] about Diversity, equity, and inclusion
First Year Seminar
In 2019's FYS Beyond Broken Bones, students explored the wide variety of X-ray applications. X-rays have revolutionized society. By enabling us to see inside the human body and discover the structure of DNA, X-rays fundamentally transformed modern medicine. Medical imaging and airport security are … [Read more...] about First Year Seminar
Interdisciplinary Applications of Soil Chemistry
In the Wooster X-ray and Geochemistry labs, we are engaging in interdisciplinary and collaborative research on soils. One project is in collaboration with Dr. Beth O'Shea (University of San Diego) focusing on the enrichment of arsenic in soils developed on volcanic deposits in southern California. … [Read more...] about Interdisciplinary Applications of Soil Chemistry
Hannah Grachen (’20)
Hannah Grachen ('20) studied the geochemistry of Bræðravirki ridge in the Western Volcanic Zone of Iceland. She is an experienced undergraduate researcher who has worked with faculty and student collaborators on geoscience and social science projects. Hannah is an expert in X-ray and SEM-EDS methods … [Read more...] about Hannah Grachen (’20)
Geochemistry
Geochemistry explores the chemical interactions between and among Earth’s spheres, including the chemistry of the physical environment and anthropogenic impacts. Geochemists essentially use chemical tools to understand the Earth and solve geological problems. We will explore geological problems that … [Read more...] about Geochemistry
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
Igneous and metamorphic processes govern the rock cycle, from the formation of rocks at mid-ocean ridges, through subduction, collision, and continental rifting. Petrologic concepts help us understand the Earth system and societally relevant issues, like natural hazards and resources. This course … [Read more...] about Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology