Experience

Wendy didn’t start out with aspirations of becoming a geologist. In fact, her undergraduate major was in Theatre with a focus on Shakespearean acting! A strange series of events lead her to become a geologist, and she is a staunch advocate for accumulating a diverse “toolbox” of skills and experiences. She believes that nothing that we learn is ever wasted and the unique skills and perspectives we acquire on our way to becoming scientists informs our science in critical ways.

Education and Experience

EDUCATION

• Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ; PhD, Geology (2008 – 2014)        
• THE Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; MSc, Geology (2006 – 2008)
• Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA; Continuing Education (2002 – 2006)
• James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA; BA, Theatre & Geology (1994 – 1998)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Communication Strategist, Earth Sciences Division at NASA, Goddard (2022 – present)
• Senior Science Communication Specialist (and geologist), IRIS, Washington, DC (2020 – 2022)
  • 2020-2021 – homeschooled 2 small children while working full-time during a pandemic
• Geologist & Science Communication Specialist, IRIS, Washington, DC (2015 – 2020)
• Owner and Operator of SpaceFace Social Media, MD (2011 – present)
• Post-Doctoral Researcher, EarthScope National Office, Tempe, AZ (2014 – 2015)
• Social Media Manager, EarthScope National Office, Tempe, AZ (2009 – 2014)
• Social Media Manager, OpenTopography, San Diego, CA (2008 – 2009)
• Graduate Student, Arizona State University, AZ (2008 – 2014)
• Graduate Student, The Ohio State University, OH (2006 – 2008)
• Outreach & Education Coordinator, USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, Pasadena, CA (2006 – 2008)
• Outreach & Education Assistant, USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, Pasadena, CA (2002 – 2006)
• Actress, Los Angeles, CA, 1998 – 2002

APPOINTMENTS, SERVICE AND TRAINING

• Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER) Advisory Board, 2022 – present
• AAAS If/Then Ambassador, 2019 – present
• AGU Hazards Equity Working Group (HEWG) Steering Committee, 2020 – present
• Public Information Officer, JIC and JIS training, 2019
• THE Ohio State University School of Earth Science Alumni Board, 2017 – 2022
• 500 Women Scientists
  • Leadership Board, 2016 – 2021
  • Executive Leadership Board 2020-2021
  • Advisory Board 2018 – present