Meet the Authors
Dr. Cory A. Bennett
Dr. Cory A. Bennett is a Professor of Education, specializing in mathematics and STEM education, at Idaho State University. He teaches mathematics content, mathematics methods and numerous graduate level courses for teachers and teacher leaders. He is also a National Board Certified Teacher in Mathematics-Early Adolescence and relies on this expertise to support professional educators at all levels locally as well as internationally.
Kathleen Van Wesenbeeck
Kathleen Van Wesenbeeck is an undergraduate student majoring in Geology and Physics with a minor in Applied Mathematics. She is an Honors student, a mentor for the Idaho State University START program, President of the Geo Club, TRIO McNair scholar, and participating in the Idaho State University Physics outreach program. She is a recipient of the Jacques Kets Award for Zoology in Belgium. Kathleen plans on pursuing a PhD in Geophysics after she graduates in the summer of 2023.
Dr. Shannon Kobs Nawotniak
Dr. Shannon Kobs Nawotniak is an Associate Professor of Geosciences, specializing in Volcanology, at Idaho State University. She is also the Director of the University Honors Program, enabling her to work with extraordinary students from across the entire campus. She is a firm believer in the importance of authentic field experiences for emerging scientists and the value of the natural world as an entrance point for asking "Why?"
Beckett Bodell
Beckett is a Secondary Education major at Idaho State University and will graduate in 2024 with plans to teach high school students. He will have endorsements in Biology and Natural Sciences, and will also graduate with an Honors Degree from the University Honors Program. He has been involved in Honors for three years, and has several years of experience teaching computer science to elementary school students. After ISU, Beckett plans on pursuing a master's degree while teaching in the Pacific Northwest.
Kyleigh Kowalski
Kyleigh Kowalski is an Earth and Environmental Systems major at Idaho State University and plans to graduate in 2025 with a minor in GIS and Geology. She is also a member of the University Honors Program and is the Social Media Coordinator for the Geology Club. There are many specializations within the Geosciences and she is still exploring which area of study she would like to pursue. After earning her BS, she plans to continue her education while exploring as much of the world as she can by taking every opportunity along the way.
Amber Pryor
Amber is studying Earth and Environnmental systems at Idaho State University. She is currently involved with the Honors Program, Sustainability Club and of course the Geology Club as well. Since the area of Environmental systems is so big, she hasn't quite conquered the exact part of this field that she would like to specialize in. Of course, life doesn't stop after graduation, she plans on spending as much time outside as possible enjoying the sun and all of the new opportunities available.
Kelsey Pella
Kelsey is studying Earth and Environmental Systems at Idaho State University! She is also minoring in Geographic Information Systems and Geology. She is actively involved in the Honors Program and in the Geology club. As her major implies, in her spare time Kelsey is often outdoors exploring the beautiful mountains Pocatello is home to. After graduating from ISU, she is unsure of her specific career path, but would love to research in her field or work in GIS.