NAGT Member, Peter Berquist, Receives Outstanding Faculty Award

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The Science Education Resource Center (SERC) congratulates Peter Berquist, a dedicated National Association for Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) member, on being named a recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Faculty Award—the Commonwealth's highest honor for faculty at Virginia's public and private colleges and universities. Presented by the State Council of Higher Education and Dominion Energy, this prestigious award recognizes faculty who exemplify excellence in teaching, research, and public service.

Berquist serves as Assistant Professor of Geology and Chair of the Geology Department and Unmanned Systems Program at Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC). Over nearly two decades, he has established himself as a leader in field-based geoscience education, creating engaging learning opportunities for students and educators alike. A nationally recognized innovator, Berquist incorporates course-based research experiences into his teaching and has played a pivotal role in advancing geoscience education through his contributions to the SAGE 2YC program and InTeGrate teaching materials, hosted by the Science Education Resource Center (SERC).

One of Berquist's most notable achievements is his leadership in acquiring and managing VPCC's Oceanographic Research Vessel, the R/V Investigator. Since 2017, this unique teaching platform has provided hands-on learning experiences for more than 400 students, significantly enriching their education. Beyond his contributions at VPCC, Berquist has published widely regarded geoscience educational resources and facilitated numerous faculty workshops to improve student success.

Berquist holds BS and MS degrees in Geology from William & Mary and Vanderbilt University, respectively. His dedication to advancing geoscience education and mentoring the next generation of geoscientists is a testament to the qualities celebrated by the Outstanding Faculty Awards. SERC is proud to recognize Pete's contributions to the geoscience community and his well-deserved honor.