People
Dr. Leah Turner
Program Director, GeoFORCELeah earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education from Ohio University as a Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Doctoral Scholar. Her primary academic interests involve research on the college choices of under-served and minoritized student populations to address prominent higher education issues such as access, retention, degree completion, student involvement, and satisfaction. Her portfolio includes positions in career development, K-12 outreach, student affairs, athletics, and academic affairs. Leah oversees the GeoFORCE Texas youth outreach program and conducts research within the Jackson School.
Dr. Dana Thomas
Academic Program ManagerDr. Dana Thomas, (she/her) is a geosciences educator and researcher who is passionate about developing and facilitating impactful programs that provide students from all backgrounds the learning opportunities and support they need to pursue their goals. She leads the Jackson School of Geosciences summer undergraduate Research Traineeship Experience (RTX), Gateway to Graduate Studies in Science (G2S2), and teaches within the Jackson School’s Energy and Earth Resources graduate program, where she incorporates societally-relevant issues into geology courses.
Dr. Adam Papendieck
Learning ScientistDr. Adam Papendieck (he/him) is a Learning Scientist within the Jackson School of Geosciences. He leads the Learning Science CoLab, a design and research collaboratory connecting Earth scientists with social scientists and communities to improve learning, teaching, communication and public engagement in science. Adam also works with Jackson School faculty and staff on the development of models for more impactful classroom experiences, such as Curiosity to Question. He also aids in developing approaches for learning and change- making beyond the classroom, such as Storytelling for Change, and the HHMI funded Geoscience Ambassadors Program.
Linda McCall, MBA, MA
Public Information Geologist, Bureau of Economic GeologyLinda Ruiz McCall is the Bureau Information Geologist and Resource Center Manger. Linda is a geologist, educator, and business woman with experience in government service, private industry, and public education. She has extensive speaking experience and is committed to helping to build understanding about natural resources. Her special interest is the use of new media in science communication.
Dr. Jay Banner
Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary SciencesDirector, Environmental Science Institute
Jay Banner is the F. M. Bullard Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Director of the Environmental Science Institute. His K-12 and public outreach programs include the Hot Science – Cool Talks Outreach Series and multiple NSF programs involving urban watersheds and people.