Introducing Speakers for the 2025 Geology Festival... Keynote Speaker, Outdoor Theater - Friday, 8 pm
Mattison Shreero is known for her social media presence as GeoSplore - a name she selected to encompass her values and goals as a paleontologist, geologist, and science communicator. Shreero earned bachelor’s degrees in geology and studio art from Carleton College. For the last four years, she has primarily worked as a park ranger for both the US Forest Service and National Park Service in and around Badlands National Park, where she has been doing research on the fossils of the White River Group and recently helped publish a paper naming a new genus of deer from 32 million years ago. Keynote Speaker, Outdoor Theater - Saturday, 8pm
Maximillian Scott has dedicated his life to research into Earth's deep past and how lessons from that past can be applied to protecting the future. Scott earned Bachelor of Science in Geology and Animal Behavior from Indiana University and has extensive professional experience in both paleontology and wildlife conservation from working with the Indianapolis Zoo, the Great Basin Institute's Nevada Conservation Corps, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, and the US Forest Service. Scott is also known for a science communication social media presence as the "Notorious Naturalist" on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. Visitor Center Talk - Saturday, 4pm
Jason Kaiser spent time in Missouri, Massachusetts, Oregon, and California before coming to Utah and discovering the wonderful geology of the region. Jason started at SUU in 2014 and has taught classes such as: Natural Hazards and Disasters, Mineralogy, Igneous Petrology, Geochemistry, and Field Geology. He enjoys teaching in Utah's natural geologic laboratory, but also relishes any opportunity to travel the world with students. He has also mentored students in research related to multiple disciplines in geosciences. His primary research interests include the chemical evolution of magma in volcanic arcs, and geochronology related to volcanic settings. He has served as the Chair of the Department of Geosciences since it's inception in July 2021. Dr. Kaiser will be discussing the geology of the Henry Mountains in southern Utah. A large laccolith originally described by G.K. Gilbert in 1875, the intrusive rocks of the Henry Mountains have piqued the interest of geologists for over a century. Dr. Kaiser's summary will include definitions of the rock types and structures within the Henry Mountains. The discussion will also include a brief geologic history covering the inception of melting at the base of the Colorado Plateau to emplacement of magma between 23-31 million years ago. The discussion will conclude with a brief summary of geologic resources found within the Henry Mountains. Visitor Center Talk - Friday, 2pm
John Horel is a Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Utah. He leads a team of researchers involved in studying mountain weather, including improving forecasting of flash floods, fire weather, and air quality. Visitor Center Talk - Friday, 4pm
Ever wondered what you can collect on public lands, want to put a mining claim down, digging up fossils, or even what it takes to start mining? BLM Geologist, Stephanie deGraffenried, will explain what activities can be done on your public lands under the Bureau of Land Management and how you can utilize the public lands for your benefit and the public's benefit. Visitor Center Talk - Saturday, 2pm
Rachel Howard has a Bachelor's in geology from the University of Montana Western and has been with Kodachrome Basin State Park for three years. At the park she has conducted research on the formational processes and timing of the park's distinctive sand spires. This talk takes an in-depth look at the convoluted and dramatic history of these unique features which has been subject to much debate over the years. Visitor Center Talk - Friday, 3pm
Cheyenne is the Park Naturalist at Snow Canyon State Park. They love educating the public on sedimentary rocks, volcanism in the desert, and wildlife! Join them to learn about how geologists investigate clues hidden in the landscape, and how those clues inform us of the paleoenvironments in this area. Visitor Center Talk - Saturday, 3pm
Visitor Center Talk - Friday, 5pm
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Last updated: July 8, 2025