Susan M. Cashman, Class of 1972
Professor of geology, Humboldt State University
Middlebury College Honorary Degree Dinner
May 24, 2008
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Susan M. Cashman '76 |
When I left Middlebury, I was fascinated by geology, and, in particular, by the exciting new perspective provided by the theory of plate tectonics. But I had no idea of how—or even if—I might use this interest in my life beyond college. I also knew that I had received an exceptional education at Middlebury and that it would influence the paths I might take, although I didn’t know how. Looking back, I can identify three elements of my Middlebury education that are woven into the pattern of choices and opportunities that have come my way.
First, connection to the environment. It is impossible for me to separate Middlebury from its setting. My family and I are fortunate to live in Humboldt County, in northwestern most California, another community whose character is closely linked to that of its natural environment. As globalization plays an exponentially increasing role in our lives, it is essential that we be able to extend the perspective of “connection to the environment” to issues such as climate change and sustainable resource use.
Second, inspired teaching. My professors challenged me and inspired me, helped me develop skills, yet in substantial ways treated me as a colleague. My Middlebury geology professors became both my mentors and my lifelong friends. Drawing from that experience, I have made the mentoring of young scientists my highest priority as a professor.
And third, appreciation for the value of multidisciplinary study and of collaboration. The subjects of Middlebury classes, particularly winter term classes, awakened me to the value both of crossing traditional disciplinary boundaries and of collaborating. On a professional level, I have found the development of multidisciplinary approaches for answering geologic questions to be an exhilarating aspect of research.
My interest in deformation at plate boundaries has evolved to focus on younger and younger rocks, from Paleozoic rocks in Vermont all the way to Holocene sediments of the Pacific Rim. My husband, also a geologist, studies the active geologic processes that form today’s landscapes. Collaborative investigations of active faults have enabled us to share perspectives from both disciplines, and to share travels and adventures as well.
My current research project, done with my sister Kathy among others, applies computer-based techniques developed for medical applications to the investigation of earthquake hazards in active fault zones. Inspired by Kathy’s use of this approach to study volcanic processes, I am using image analysis software created by the National Institute of Health for purposes such as automated blood counts to analyze the microscopic characteristics of fault zone rocks and to look for a signature of earthquake slip. On a personal level, I have benefited tremendously from the perspectives and collaboration of students, colleagues and family members.
Thank you President Liebowitz, members of the Board of Trustees, and members of the Middlebury community for this recognition. And thank you also to my professors, my family, and my friends; this honor is yours as well as mine.