Heather Macdonald Receives the 2014 American Geophysical Union Award for Excellence in Geophysical Education.

published Jul 8, 2014 2:10pm

The National Association of Geoscience Teachers and On The Cutting Edge is proud to congratulate R. Heather Macdonald on receiving the 2014 American Geophysical Union award for Excellence in Geophysical Education.

Established in 1995, the Excellence in Geophysical Education Award (EGEA) is presented annually "to acknowledge a sustained commitment to excellence in geophysical education by a team, individual, or group." Examples are educators who have had a major impact on geophysical education at any level (kindergarten through postgraduate), who have been outstanding teachers and trainers for a number of years, or who have made a long lasting, positive impact on geophysical education through professional service. Robert D. Ballard was the first recipient of this award.

Dr. Macdonald's efforts with NAGT and On the Cutting Edge are extensive. Dr. Macdonald was elected to the NAGT executive committee in 1991 as a councilor and again in 1994 as second vice president rising through the offices to president in 1996. During her tenure on the board, she was engaged in building interest in education at Geologic Society of America (GSA) with symposia, sessions, and more. She has been the overall leader of the On the Cutting Edge project for the past 12 years, established the early career workshop program, and is currently a member of the committee spearheading the transfer of that project to NAGT. Dr. Macdonald has been a strong advocate for women's issues and was integral to establishing the NAGT two-year college division (Geo2YC).

NAGT/On The Cutting Edge congratulates Dr. Macdonald on this well deserved recognition of her commitment to geophysical education.

Dr. Macdonald will be recognized during the Honors Tribute at the 2014 AGU Fall Meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, 17 December 2014 in San Francisco.