Initial Publication Date: October 13, 2023
2023 Awardee - Sharon K. Cooper, Columbia University
Sharon K. Cooper has been awarded the 2023 Neil Miner Award by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Sharon K. Cooper, Columbia University
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Provenance: Sharon Cooper, Columbia University
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Sharon Katz Cooper is based at Columbia University and is one of the leaders of Education, Outreach and Science Communication for the U.S. Science Support Office of IODP. She first learned about IODP when working for the Smithsonian on developing the Sant Ocean Hall, during which she sailed on the very first School of Rock in 2005 and became permanently hooked. Now a full-fledged accidental geologist, she creates and implements programs around the world to encourage students, educators and the general public to fall in love with STEM and get their minds blown by amazing Earth science going on every day. She is passionate about increasing diversity in the geosciences and providing entryway opportunities for students from all walks of life. In other parts of her life, she is a children's book author, wife, mom, and cook. She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and three boys. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University and a Master's degree in Environmental Studies from Yale University.
I am pleased to have nominated Sharon Katz Cooper of Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory to receive the 2023 NAGT Miner Award. Committed to making the research infrastructure of sea-going vessels accessible to undergraduate students and educators, Sharon's leadership in education and outreach within the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) and STEMSEAS (STEM Student Experiences Aboard Ships) is responsible for dozens of participants annually experiencing research opportunities at sea. Her co-PI on the STEMSEAS program, Jon Lewis,notes, "it would be hard to overstate the impact STEMSEAS and her efforts have on individuals, and on the growing ecosystem of students, ship operators, crew, and scientists who are Earth science champions. STEMSEAS student alumni view Sharon as an innovative and powerful leader who is has changed countless students' lives. A dedicated ally who works to achieve greater equitability in STEM, she personally goes out of her way to eliminate barriers that often prevent full participation in ocean science. While challenging researchers to communicate their science more effectively, Sharon expanded programs for educators to sail onboard the JOIDES Resolution as outreach officers or as participants in School of Rock, a professional development program for teachers. These remarkable culture shifts in ocean science are a direct outcome of her efforts and we are grateful for her leadership and the depth of Sharon's contributions towards stimulation of interest in Earth science.
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