David Sunderlin | Photo by Ellie Spencer ’27
What is the focus of your research?
I’m a natural historian, which for me is a combination of a paleoecologist, a geologist, and a paleoclimatologist. I also study the modern world. Recently I’ve been studying fossils from Alaska, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and extracting modern-day microplastics from sandy beaches all over North America! In fact, in June this year, I conducted a field expedition to a remote island in southeast Alaska for my research. The field area was in the Tongass National Forest and involved fossil collecting and geological data collection on a site that had never been studied before. I’m looking forward to analyzing some of our findings back in Easton with our students.
What will you be teaching in the fall?
GEOL 130 on the history of the natural world! Can’t wait!
What does receiving an endowed chair mean to you, and how does this endowed position further your teaching and/or research?
I’m honored to be thought of for this endowed chair. For me, it inspires an institutional confidence in me to continue to try new things in the classroom and field study, as well as to pursue creative new research ideas and field areas.
Read more about faculty members newly named to endowed positions.
