Project Team

Part of the InTeGrate University of Northern Colorado Program Model

Project PIs

William Hoyt (University of Northern Colorado)

Dr. Hoyt is Professor of Oceanography and Chair, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Since 1981 he has taught primarily oceanography and geology courses, and has twice enjoyed sabbatical research projects (to the Great Barrier Reef, and to the Sea Education Association in Woods Hole). Working with students in and around the water can even be done in Colorado--along the Poudre River and on the UNC Barge RV O. W. Tollefson at Carter Lake!


Cindy Shellito (University of Northern Colorado)

Dr. Shellito is a Professor of Meteorology in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. She teaches courses in dynamic meteorology, climate dynamics and global change. Her research and classes focus on understanding climate and global change from an interdisciplinary perspective. Her students often find themselves using numerical models and large datasets to answer questions about climate.


Byron Straw (University of Northern Colorado)

Byron is a lecturer of geology, and geoscience education in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. He primarily focuses on teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses. His research interests consists of Late Quaternary glacial geomorphology, Holocene/Pleistocene climate reconstruction, sub-surface geophysical investigation, geo-archaeology, soils, hydrogeology, volcanic geology, geomorphology, and science education.

Faculty Reflection

Steve Anderson (University of Northern Colorado)

One of Dr. Anderson's greatest passions is teaching in field and international settings, and he has taught field courses for Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, the University of Pittsburgh, Black Hills State University in South Dakota, the University of Virginia's Semester at Sea program, and the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. Anderson has received several awards as an educator, including the EPA's Outstanding Achievement Award for Environmental Education.


Supporting Faculty

Graham Baird (University of Northern Colorado)

Dr. Baird is an Associate Professor of Geology in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. His research and teaching expertise are in structrual geology, tectonics, mineralogy, igneous and metamorphic petrology, field geology, and geochronology. Active research projects are focused on understanding the tectonics of the Adirondack Mts. (northern New York), the northern Swedish Caledonides, and the Proterozoic rocks of the northern Colorado Front Range.


Joe Elkins (University of Northern Colorado)

Dr. Elkins is an Associate Professor of Earth Science Education in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. His research interests span geoscience education and low temperature geochemistry. His science education research has focused on educational technology and learning in field environments. In 2007 he was awarded the Geological Society of America's Biggs Award for excellence in teaching geosciences. Dr. Elkins teaches courses in oceanography, geology, and science for K-12 educators.


Julie Sexton (University of Northern Colorado)

As research associate, Dr. Sexton conducts science education research & evaluation, teaches faculty professional development workshops, teaches education research methods classes, and facilitates the GeoReach Research Interest Group. She also provides science education research & evaluation mentoring and consulting to UNC faculty and students.