Hamilton, NY — Karen Harpp, assistant professor of geology at Colgate University, is the recipient of the 2002 Donald and Carolyn Biggs Earth Science Teaching Award from the Geological Society of America. The Biggs Award recognizes and rewards the efforts and accomplishments of exceptional college teachers early in their academic careers.
A member of the Colgate faculty since 1998, Harpp specializes in the teaching of geochemistry, instrumental analysis, volcanology, and introductory geology. She also teaches a course on the advent of the atomic bomb. Her current research interests focus on the origin and evolution of the Galapagos Islands and plume-ridge interactions. A former Churchill Fellow, Harpp has received research and equipment grants from the National Science Foundation. She previously taught for four years in the chemistry department at Lawrence University. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Harpp also holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Cornell University.
Established in 1888, The Geological Society of America provides access to elements that are essential to the professional growth of earth scientists at all levels of expertise and from all sectors: academic, government, business, and industry. Harpp will be presented with the Biggs Award at a luncheon at the GSA’s annual meeting in Denver later this year.
Founded in 1819, Colgate University is a highly selective, residential, liberal arts college enrolling nearly 2,750 undergraduates. Situated on a rolling 515-acre campus in central New York State, Colgate University attracts motivated students with diverse backgrounds, interests and talents.
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