Amy Berger

Dr. Berger found geology by accident as a result of interaction with an outstanding professor at a small liberal arts college. Her undergraduate experience comparing modern and ancient reef environments served as a jumping-off point for graduate work in hydrology, where she investigated the chemical processes governing toxic drainage from an abandoned metal mine in New Mexico. Amy’s educational goals stem from her desire for effective communication methods between Earth and environmental scientists and the general community. She currently works to develop role-playing games that immerse students in real-world environmental problems to encourage them to develop their own innovative solutions. 

Dr. Berger’s creative side emerges in the form of fiber arts such as knitting and spinning, and in periodic theatrical appearances in both Heidelberg and Ritz Theatre productions. She also sings in the Heidelberg University-Community Choir. She serves on the Society for Values in Higher Education Board of Directors and National Association of Geoscience Teachers. She also facilitates the Summer Workshop for College Teachers in China Program and is an educational live-action role-playing game designer.

Courses Taught

ENS 101: Introduction to Environmental Science
ENS 300: Issues in Environmental Science
GEO 101: Physical Geology
GEO 201: Environmental Geology
GEO 305: Field Geology
GEO 308: Surface Water Systems
GEO 350: Soils and Groundwater
BIO 375: Caribbean Biogeography

Research Interests

Active-learning pedagogy, acid mine drainage, stream-flow dynamics