COSAM News Articles 2022 September Trailblazer in the emerging Geoscience Education Research field, McNeal receives Transformation Award

Trailblazer in the emerging Geoscience Education Research field, McNeal receives Transformation Award

Published: 09/09/2022

By: Maria Gebhardt

Karen McNeal, the Molette Endowed Professor in the Department of Geosciences, is the recipient of a prestigious Transformation Award from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) Geoscience Research Education division.

“This award is a validation of the research my team and I work diligently on to further the field of geosciences,” said McNeal. “I am proud that I can make a difference and help shape the future for new faculty and students at Auburn University.”

McNeal chose a non-traditional path while earning her doctorate degree. She wanted to pursue to discipline education research, or DBER. Her research tackles teaching and learning challenges in geoscience education with a goal to improve the undergraduate classroom experience, as well as improving the communication of science more broadly.

“It is more meaningful that my peers recommended me for this award,” said McNeal. “Being selected by the very people I work with shows me the value of my journey.”

McNeal’s work involves climate change and specific technology tools such as eye-tracking glasses and 3D interactive sandboxes.

“This national award is given to ‘individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and capacity for geoscience education research’ and Karen has been a leader in advancing this field,” said Ming-Kuo Lee, chair of the Department of Geosciences.

McNeal will be featured on the NAGT website, attend a special luncheon at the Geological Society of America in October and receive a free membership in the association.