Nicholas Soltis

I am an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Earth-Space Science at the University of Indianapolis.  Being part of a small department, I'm fortunate to be able to teach a wide range of courses for  non-majors, majors, and pre-service teachers.  In addition to intro classes, I teach upper-level courses in historical geology, physical geography,  Earth systems and geochemistry, paleobiology, meteorology, and hydrogeology.  At UIndy I am also a faculty fellow in the Strain Honors College, teaching an honors first year seminar on environmental justice.

My research employs quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches to understand teaching and learning about the Earth system and the development of Earth systems thinking skills in undergraduate courses. In particular, my research aims to develop tools to measure students' Earth systems thinking skills.  I also engage in collaborative research that examines the relationship between lignite-hosting aquifers and kidney disease in the US Gulf Coast.  I currenty advise undergraduate students on research projects in geochemistry, paleontology, and local environmental issues.   My research is largely shaped by my own background and interests in the biogeosciences as well as my time spent teaching middle school science.  I am also an associate editor for the Journal of Geoscience Education. 

I hold a Ph.D. in Earth System Science from Auburn University as well as an M.S. in Geoscience from Mississippi State University and an M.A.Ed. in Science Education and Talented and Gifted Education from Muskingum University.  Prior to pursuing my Ph.D., I was a middle school science teacher for 6 years.

Twitter: @NickASoltis