Dr. Howard G. Wilshire, Geologist
Sebastopol, California

Howard Wilshire earned a BS degree from the University of Oklahoma and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in geology. He joined the U.S. Geological Survey as a research geologist after 5 years of teaching geology at Sydney University and research at the Australian National University. In his 35-year USGS career his work included geologic mapping, Apollo astronaut training and lunar research, studies of processes operating in the earth’s upper mantle and lower crust, and broad-ranging studies on geologic processes at the land surface. His surface process studies focused on environmental impacts of human activities in arid lands, including off-road vehicular recreation, radioactive waste disposal, energy developments, military activities, utility corridor construction, grazing, mining, road-building, earth art, waste disposal, centralized wind and solar energy developments, and other subjects. Dr. Wilshire is Board Chairman of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), a national environmental organization.

 

Dr. Jane E. Nielson, Geologist
Sebastopol, California

Jane Nielson earned three degrees in geology and geochemistry. After receiving her Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1974, she taught Environmental Geology and other courses at California State University, Hayward, then worked for the U.S. Geological Survey as a field and research geologist, specializing in many aspects of Mojave Desert geology. After retiring from the USGS in 1997, Dr. Nielson taught geology, petrology, geochemistry and environmental geology courses at Pomona College, Claremont, California, and has lectured on geological and environmental topics in her home area of Sonoma County, California. She is a co-founder of the Sebastopol Water Information Group and serves on the board of directors for the O.W.L. (Open-Space, Water, and Land Conservation) Foundation, which researchs and disseminates information on water development and land conservation issues in Sonoma County, and advocates for sustainable local, statewide, and national land and water policies.

 

Richard W. Hazlett, Geologist
Claremont, California

Richard Hazlett earned his PhD in Geology at the University of Southern California, and is presently the Coordinator of the Pomona College Environmental Analysis Program in southern California and a Professor of Geology. He has undertaken research on volcanoes in Hawaii, Italy, Alaska, Central America, and the Cascades, and is an author of books on Kilauea volcano and physical and environmental geology. He was a principal contributor, illustrator, and writer for the Annenberg/PBS telecourse Earth Revealed, and is presently teaching undergraduate courses in environmental studies, land use issues, and agroecology. He has received three college awards for excellence in teaching and is a runner-up for two prestigious national teaching awards.