Background and Interests
Alan’s path to geology came via rock climbing—he was a key player in American climbing during the late 1980s and 1990s, with first ascents from Colorado to Yosemite National Park. In addition, it was through the use of small airplanes to go on climbing trips that sparked his interests in aviation, ultimately leading to a rather unique part-time job between 2007 and 2022 as an airline pilot, flying 50-80 seat regional jets for United Express.
In early career, Alan used various technologies (paleomagnetism, stable-isotopes, trace-elements, and radiometric dating) to help understand the origin and evolution of the Rocky Mountains. But for most of his career the focus has been on geoscience education, often including the perspectives afforded by climbing and airplanes, and sharing an emphasis on the history of science.
Since the mid-1990s Alan has served as Senior Instructor, Research Associate, Academic Advisor, Lecturer and On-Line Developer at CU-Boulder, and has received multiple university-wide awards for excellence in undergraduate education.
Education
- Ph.D, University of Colorado, 1992
- B.Sc., University of Oregon, 1983