In 2021, Timothy
Masterlark, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Geology and Geological
Engineering at South Dakota Mines, became the first professor from a South
Dakota university to be selected for the prestigious Jefferson
Science Fellowship at U.S. State Department.
During his year-long fellowship, Masterlark worked
with the Special Programs team attached to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security,
High Threat Programs Directorate. He assisted in developing policy and planning
to enhance, enact and enforce security standards that protect U.S. diplomatic
operations. He also spent time working on emergency preparedness and crisis
response with the Department of Defense and the interagency community. “My
experience was an immersion in planning and operations for conducting
diplomatic relations and activities in some of the most lawless places on Earth,”
says Masterlark.
Masterlark is bringing what he learned firsthand
back to campus. As a geophysicist, his research includes understanding the causes
of natural disasters, like volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and earthquakes. In the
classroom, he teaches Mines geology and geological engineering students how to
survive in the field, whether they are investigating an active volcano, an
earthquake zone or working in remote location with long distances to emergency
care.
“What happens when students face challenges outside
of the controlled conditions of the university? I provide personal
responsibility, mental toughness and situational awareness training that prepares
students to be functional with — or without — modern conveniences and comforts,”
says Masterlark.
Masterlark’s physical geology course includes
hands-on first-aid training employing moulage techniques with wound simulators,
simulated blood and a life-size medical mannequin for student training. The media are
invited to view the situational awareness and tourniquet and safety training
course Masterlark teaches in his Physical Geology Laboratory class on Sept. 8
from 8:30-10:50 a.m. on the Mines campus.
These and other skills culminate in a day-long field
training exercise in the Badlands in the middle of September. “Students will learn
how to dismantle the comfort mindset and embrace the discomfort of wet and
dirty conditions. Students will then use their primal skills to mitigate fieldcraft
challenges to safely and effectively achieve a scientific mission,” says
Masterlark. “It will be unlike any other college experience,” he adds.
Masterlark is also a veteran who served four years
in the United States Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. His military background was
valuable during his service in the State Department as a Jefferson Science
Fellow. As a Jefferson Science Fellow, he was awarded a Certificate of
Commendation from the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) for his work during a joint Department
of Defense and State Department exercise. He was also awarded the Meritorious
Honor Award from the Bureau of Diplomatic Security for his efforts.
Following his work in supporting USMC training
exercises, the commanding general of the USMC’s Training and Education Command
also sent Masterlark a letter stating, “Your experience as a Jefferson Science
Fellow and science advisor for the Bureau Diplomatic Security’s Operations
Planning and Innovation Team were integral in providing 1st Marine
Regiment with a challenging and realistic scenario. The guidance you conveyed
throughout his training evolution will enhance the quality of future iterations
and will ultimately contribute to the regiment’s real-world mission success.”