Constance M Soja

I am Professor of Geology at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY.  I was an undergraduate at Denison University in Ohio and earned my PhD at the University of Oregon in Eugene.  My passion is paleontology, specifically ancient reefs and their paleobiogeographic implications in terrane analysis.   My work with undergraduate students on the geology of southeastern Alaska (Alexander terrane) and Mongolia’s Gobi Desert led to related field research in the Ural Mountains, western Siberia, and north Queensland.

While department chair, I oversaw our first comprehensive curriculum review, including preparation of a SWOT analysis, mission statement, etc.  As a University Professor, I directed Colgate’s First-Year Seminar, Core Distinction, and High Distinction programs and held annual workshops on pedagogy.  While President of the Paleontological Research Institution (Ithaca, NY), I was involved in strategic planning on several fronts while the organization was building the Museum of the Earth and designing educational exhibits.   Recently, I was part of a three-person external review team for a small geology department.  That experience was truly beneficial in gaining insights into best practices for the teacher-scholar model at undergraduate institutions. 

Finally, I offer paleontology workshops (on fossils, dinosaurs, biomimicry applications) to teachers and also designed “Junior Paleontologist” activities for local elementary students.  I am an Associate Editor for Palaios, a recipient of Colgate’s Professor of the Year award, and was honored in 2013 with a Denison University Alumni Citation.