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Rock and Roll: Geologist Steps into Executive Position with Geological Society of America
July 9, 2007
Rock and Roll: Geologist Steps into Executive Position with Geological Society of America
MOSCOW, Idaho—Rocks have called to Judith Totman Parrish for years. The University of Idaho professor of geological sciences has followed her passion for geology and paleoclimatology through coursework, doctoral studies and research, and as a member and fellow of the Geological Society of America. Parrish began an executive track with the GSA when she assumed the society’s vice presidency on July 1. In 2008, she steps into the society’s presidency.
“This appointment means a great deal to me,” Parrish said. “Being elected to this position recognizes my contributions to the field and also provides me the opportunity to help guide the society.”
Prior to joining the University of Idaho in 2003 as dean of the College of Science, Parrish served as associate dean and professor of geosciences at the College of Science at the University of Arizona, Tucson. This month, just as she assumes the GSA vice presidency, she steps back into research and the classroom fulltime at the University of Idaho.
Parrish has been a member of the Geological Society of America since 1983 and was elected a fellow in 1994. Her service to GSA includes service on the nominating, investment and audit committees, as a counselor and as member of an ad hoc committee focused on GSA headquarter reorganization.
“The solid-earth sciences and Geological Society of America have been in an enormous transition during the last couple of decades with the increasing interest in climate change and natural hazards, growing concerns about water availability and the changing energy industry,” said Parrish. “Understanding the past, non-human-influenced variation in climate; understanding the natural cycles of hazards such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and, we hope, building predictive models of these processes; and generally understanding the geological underpinnings of energy, mineral, soil and water resources all fall squarely under the interests of the members of the society.”
Parrish earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology and her doctorate in earth science from the University of California at Santa Cruz. She did post-doctoral work at the University of Chicago. Her research expertise is paleoclimatology and she has remained active in field studies in Alaska, Argentina and the Colorado Plateau region.
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About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Its high academic performers include 42 National Merit Scholars and a 2006-07 freshman class with an average high school grade point average of 3.42. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.
About the Geological Society of America
Founded in 1888, the Geological Society of America advances the geosciences, enhances the professional growth of its members, and supports the application of geoscience knowledge and insight to human needs, aspirations, and stewardship of the Earth. The global professional society has more than 20,500 members in more than 85 countries. For information, visit www.geosociety.org.
Contact: Tania Thompson, University Communications, (208) 885-6567, taniat@uidaho.edu
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