Laurie Anderson, Ph.D., a professor and head of the Department of
Geology and Geological Engineering and director of the South Dakota Mines Museum of
Geology has been named a fellow to the Geological Society of America (GSA). This
prestigious distinction is only awarded to a small percentage of leaders in her
field of study.
The GSA website states that
fellowship is awarded “in recognition of a sustained record of distinguished
contributions to the geosciences and the Geological Society of America through
such avenues as publications, applied research, teaching, administration of
geological programs, contributing to the public awareness of geology,
leadership of professional organizations, and taking on editorial,
bibliographic, and library responsibilities.”
Anderson is a paleontologist. Her research focuses
on reconstructing past environments by understanding the life, death, and
fossilization processes of clams, oysters, and other marine creatures. She is
an expert in paleobiology, paleoecology, taphonomy, and phylogeny of mollusks,
particularly Bivalvia. She has worked all over the world, including in the
Amazon, and conducted research in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama following
the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Besides field research, her work also includes
research in modern and ancient coastlines, ancient freshwater lakes,
statistical analysis of shape, and geochemical datasets.
Sarah Keenan, Ph.D., assistant professor of geology and geological engineering at Mines wrote the
nomination letter for Anderson to the GSA. “Dr. Anderson’s contributions to the
geoscience community include new discoveries in paleobiology and taphonomy,
education and mentorship of the next generation of geoscientists, active
engagement in professional societies, and supporting early-career and female
academics. She is a dedicated teacher, academic, and mentor in the field and
lab,” Keenan wrote.
“Dr. Anderson is an excellent example of world-class
faculty we are fortunate to attract at Mines,” says Mines President Jim Rankin.
“We’re lucky to have dedicated leaders like her on campus who serve as mentors for
both students and other faculty members.”