Alan Lester is a Senior Instructor and Research Associate in the Department of Geological Sciences, CU-Boulder. A native of Oregon, Dr. Lester came to Colorado in 1985 (with a B.S. from the University of Oregon). After receiving a Ph.D. in Geology from CU (1993), he remained as a Research Associate and Lecturer, and later as an Instructor.
Dr. Lester has done research in a variety of geological sub-disciplines, including mineral structures, paleomagnetism, isotope geochemistry, and igneous petrology, all of which have been directed at understanding the origin and subsequent evolution of continental crust in the Rocky Mountain region.
A recipient of multiple university-wide teaching awards, Dr. Lester focuses on teaching at the undergraduate level. He also serves as the undergraduate academic advisor for geology majors in the Department of Geological Sciences.
Both Dr. Lester and his wife Melissa are rock- and mountain-climbing enthusiasts. They particularly enjoy combining their interest in geology with visits to climbing areas all over the western United States, sometimes adding to the adventure by flying small airplanes to their destination.