Kara Elizabeth Dennis
204 Heroy Geology Laboratory
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
612-670-1960
kedennis@syr.edu
Education:
Master of Science, Earth Science (expected December 2014)
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244
Advisor: Christopher Junium
THESIS: “Using the Sulfur Cycle to Understand Rapid Changes in Seawater Chemistry:
Refining our Understanding of the Eocene Sulfur Cycle”
Bachelor of Arts, Geology (May 2012)
Macalester College, St. Paul, MN 55105
Advisor: Kelly MacGregor
THESIS: “Regional Climate Change and Geomorphic History of Grinnell Glacier in
Glacier National Park, MT”
Research Experience/Projects:
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Sample prep and analysis on Isoprime stable isotope mass spectrometer mostly carbon
and sulfur stable isotopic analysis (Thesis research and research from International Ocean
Discovery Program, IODP), Summer 2013-present
•
CAS (carbonate-associated sulfate) extraction and pyrite extraction, Summer 2013present
•
Petrologic and Geochemical analysis of Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Penokean orogeny
and the Archean Superior Province in Morrison County (located in central Minnesota)
Macalester College Petrology/Geochemistry class project, Spring 2012
•
Oceanographic field research: how oceans function in the global climate system, SEA
semester (Boston University and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute), Fall 2010
•
Hydrologic field research; Hydrology Field Camp University of Minnesota, July 2010
Research Skills:
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Instrumentation: carbon coulometer, XRD, SEM, ICPMS and elemental analyzer (EA)
Software: GIS, MATLAB, R, ODV (Ocean Data View)
Teaching Experience:
Syracuse University, Department of Earth Science
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Teaching Assistant coordinator for Earthquakes and Volcanoes: Spring 2014
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Teaching Assistant coordinator for Oceanography: Fall 2013
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Teaching Assistant for Oceanography: Fall 2012 & Spring 2013
Taught 4 recitation sections per semester, graded assignments, met with students,
maintained course website, helped organize material for other TAs
Syracuse University, Science Teaching Department (Fall 2012-prsent)
•
Graduate Assistant for Frontiers of Science Program, which provides the opportunity for
high school students to learn about different fields of science through lectures and
activities
Syracuse University, Lava Project (Spring 2014)
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Helping with the construction of a MOOC for the lava project, which included making
introductory videos covering the course content and organizing the website
Leadership Experience:
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Waggoner Geology Seminar coordinator, Syracuse University, Fall 2012 - present
o Schedule student speakers, provide refreshments, and publicity
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Geology Club Webmaster, Syracuse University, Spring 2013 - present
o Maintain/update the Geoclub website and send the weekly email newsletter
o Planning field trips (Spring break trip in Death Valley/ Grand Canyon)
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Senior Resident Advisor (SRA/CA), Macalester College, Fall 2009 – May 2012
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o
Responsible for implementing the curriculum from the Community Learning
Model at meetings, on bulletin boards, and within the dormitory, and being
available to first year residents in the dormitory, including meetings with each
individual
o
Peer leader for the other RAs, organizing duty scheduling and leading staff
meetings
Senior Class Gift Planning Committee, Macalester College, Fall 2011 – May 2012
o
Fundraising and event planning
Awards/Activities:
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Ann Bolger Vision Award, Macalester College, applauds a student leader’s abilities to
initiate positive organizational change or creative endeavors to contribute to the
educational experience of students in a thoughtful, collaborative, and informed fashion.