Kathy Licht, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Earth Sciences

If Dr. Kathy Licht hadn’t taken a captivating introductory geology course in college, you may have found her anywhere but the research fields in Antarctica or the halls of the School of Science at IUPUI. What “expanded the imagination” of this once business major-turned-geologist is the very thing she aims to convey to her students today — the relevance of geology to everyday life.

“If students only take one science course, geology is ideal because it’s so applicable,” explains Licht, who divides her time teaching a graduate-level course in glacial geology — one of her specialties and current research focus — and several introductory geology classes. Among these is a five-week course on global warming — just one example, she says, of geology’s application to important issues of the day.

“To see the human side and the more practical side of science can be a valuable discovery,” says Licht. “It’s extremely rewarding when students actually see the relevance of scientific issues and begin to think critically about them.”

Ensuring students are engaged is one way Licht seeks to spark this kind of interest. Along with her husband and fellow geology faculty member Dr. Jeffrey Swope, she was instrumental in organizing a 12-day research-based field experience in Iceland for 10 undergraduate geology students in July 2003. Offered in combination with a 400-level course, this first-time endeavor for the Geology Department was highly successful, Licht says, with students presenting the results of their Icelandic research at national meetings.

“There are lots of opportunities for undergraduates to really get involved in the Geology Department and do research here,” explains Licht, who employs a number of undergrads in her research lab. “It’s like a small school — we know all the geology majors by first name, and they don’t hesitate to come and knock on our doors when they need something.”

Licht also serves as an advisory board member for the Women in Science House, an academic residential community at IUPUI. Her role as an advisor and mentor is one she particularly enjoys, affording more time for her to interact with students one-on-one.

“It’s a good way for me to find out more about the students, the challenges they face and to share with them the opportunities that are available here.”

As for her academic research, Licht has completed recently her third trip to Antarctica to study the history and effects of glaciers on the landscape and climate system. She first became interested in glacial geology as a graduate student at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she received her doctorate in 1999.