Kelly Best Lazar earned her Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from SES in 2014 and is now an Assistant Professor of Engineering & Science Education and Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences at Clemson University.
Contact: klazar@clemson.edu
"Take advantage of the world-class facilities and opportunities Ohio State has to offer. Leave as many doors open as possible - you never know which one may lead you down an amazing career path!"
Where has your degree taken you?
My PhD investigated sea-ice change in the Arctic Ocean – now I study extreme geologic events in the Caribbean and North Atlantic, work with virtual reality, and develop strategies for encouraging geoscience engagement! My postdoc mentor and I took students to the island of Dominica last year and will be taking another group of students to Curaçao this year. Earth Science has a unique way of taking you to places you never imagined.
How do you feel your experience, specifically as an SES/geology student at OSU, prepared you for your career or life in general?
I was hired for my postdoc position in geoscience education specifically because of the teaching opportunities I had while part of SES. I have no doubt that my career trajectory would be much different if I had not been given those opportunities to practice my teaching skills and learn how to get students engaged in courses. Additionally, being able to receive funding from SES and the Graduate School to fund research and travel to conferences to present my work was invaluable.
What is your favorite memory as a student?
One of my favorite memories was as a teaching assistant for a summer field course at Stone Lab on Lake Erie. The sunset over the lake is so beautiful!
What advice do you have for current and future students?
Take advantage of the world-class facilities and opportunities Ohio State has to offer. Leave as many doors open as possible - you never know which one may lead you down an amazing career path!
Want to share how awesome geology is with other students? Feel free to contact me if you are interested in going to graduate school to study how we can use field experiences to encourage geoscience participation!