DAC Award for Excellence: South Mountain Community College

Sian Proctor, Geology Faculty

When we think of the sciences, diversity isn’t a word that often comes to mind.  Sian teaches Geologic Disasters and the Environment, and since she started teaching, diversity has been at the forefront.  Sian wants her students to understand that geoloagic disasters know no boundaries.  She impresses upon them the toll that geologic disasters have on humanity and helps her students gain an emotional connection between the power of nature and its impact on our lives. She also helps students appreciate the connection between changes in population and environmental issues.

Through a variety of learning activities, demonstrations and  experiences, including exposure to Sian’s own world wide travel experiences , students have learned to understand nature’s impact on cultural development.  These efforts help student learn about people and cultures around the world and the importance of working to solve environmental challenges collectively.  Most students who take Sian’s class are non-science majors.  They leave her class recognizing that they have learned something useful and relevant and have adjusted their world view.  Sian describes it simply, “I get them fired up about our world.”