07/17/2009

Earth & Environmental Science Announces New Faculty and Staff

Chris Romanek will be joining the faculty as Associate Professor in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Romanek comes to UK from the U.S. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and the University of Georgia, as part of the Provost’s initiative to form an interdisciplinary Institute for the Environment. A geochemist with a broad range of experience application of stable isotope analysis to geologic and biologic systems, Romanek will be joined by a post-doctoral research associate and a laboratory technician. See more details of Romanek’s research here.

Stephanie (Steffi) Schwabe will be joining the department as a lecturer, and will be teaching several of our introductory courses. Schwabe’s research interests are primarily in modern karst hydrogeology and cave systems, which provides a basis for engaging instruction in environmental geology and earth resources. Schwabe is an accomplished scuba diver, has a law degree, and heads an organization for exploration and preservation of water-filled caves. More information is available here.

Building Renovations

The arrival of a new faculty member often means building renovations, which although disruptive, result in an improvement in our facilities. Half of the second floor and a third of first floor of Slone Building are being renovated to accommodate professor Romanek’s research program. With the renovation of teaching space completed last year, second floor of Slone building is nearly brand new…except for the lockers in the hallway!