Laura Mallard teaches introductory geology courses and labs. Although she has worked at Appalachian since 2004, her enthusiasm for her subject shows no signs of waning.
“I love being outside,” the senior lecturer said. “I love being out in the world and knowing how earth processes work. I love knowing why volcanoes erupt.
“When there’s a hazardous (earth) process on the news, I love knowing how to explain it to other people.”
Mallard describes Appalachian’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences as providing top-but-affordable instruction in an idyllic setting. She likes working with her students, because many come from North Carolina and are already familiar with a rich geology that includes mountains, beaches and coastal plains. So when landslides and flooding occur, “it’s good to be able to use North Carolina as an example,” she said.
Mallard serves as the geology department’s liaison with the Reich College of Education, and she advises students in the Geology (BS) - Earth/Environmental Science, Secondary Education degree program. Her students become licensed to teach both earth science and comprehensive science in middle schools and high schools, and most begin teaching right after graduation. They keep up with what Mallard describes as a changing knowledge base.
Mallard’s research focuses on geology in education – which benefits her students as they enter the workforce. “Our students never have a problem getting a job,” Mallard said. “It’s usually in a region where they want to be.”
Laura Mallard advises students in the Geology (BS) - Secondary Education degree program and serves as the geology department’s liaison with the Reich College of Education.
