Mines Department Head, Professor and Paleontologist Dr. Laurie Anderson Named GSA Fellow

Laurie Anderson, Ph.D., a professor and head of the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering and director of the South Dakota Mines Museum of Geology has been named a fellow to the Geological Society of America (GSA). This prestigious distinction is only awarded to a small percentage of leaders in her field of study.

The GSA website states that fellowship is awarded “in recognition of a sustained record of distinguished contributions to the geosciences and the Geological Society of America through such avenues as publications, applied research, teaching, administration of geological programs, contributing to the public awareness of geology, leadership of professional organizations, and taking on editorial, bibliographic, and library responsibilities.”

Anderson is a paleontologist. Her research focuses on reconstructing past environments by understanding the life, death, and fossilization processes of clams, oysters, and other marine creatures. She is an expert in paleobiology, paleoecology, taphonomy, and phylogeny of mollusks, particularly Bivalvia. She has worked all over the world, including in the Amazon, and conducted research in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Besides field research, her work also includes research in modern and ancient coastlines, ancient freshwater lakes, statistical analysis of shape, and geochemical datasets.

Sarah Keenan, Ph.D., assistant professor of geology and geological engineering at Mines wrote the nomination letter for Anderson to the GSA. “Dr. Anderson's contributions to the geoscience community include new discoveries in paleobiology and taphonomy, education and mentorship of the next generation of geoscientists, active engagement in professional societies, and supporting early-career and female academics. She is a dedicated teacher, academic, and mentor in the field and lab,” Keenan wrote.

“Dr. Anderson is an excellent example of world-class faculty we are fortunate to attract at Mines,” says Mines President Jim Rankin. “We're lucky to have dedicated leaders like her on campus who serve as mentors for both students and other faculty members.”