Karen M. Kortz is a professor of geology in the Department of Physics at the Community College of Rhode Island. Her academic specialty is geoscience education research, particularly focusing on student learning of geology and developing research-based curricula to improve learning. In addition to teaching, Dr. Kortz' current projects include evaluating how scientific information can be most effectively presented, incorporating undergraduate research in courses, and writing an introductory-level geology textbook. She has received numerous teaching awards, shares her work at regional and national conferences and in publications, and is an associate editor of the Journal of Geoscience Education.

Community Engagement
Honors Program, Community College of Rhode Island - Co-Director, 2003-Present
New England National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NENAGT) - Vice President, Past President, and Councilor, 2007-2014
National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) - Councilor, 2010-2013
Advisor of honors projects and independent studies of over 25 students (2003-Present)
Center for Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CITLA) - Member of Advisory Board, 2009-Present
Cutting Edge Embedded Assessment Project - Team Member, 2011-2015
Geoscience Affective Research Network (GARNET) Project - Participant, 2011-2014
YMCA Lincoln, RI - Program Leader, "Reading Rocks like a Rock Detective," 2012 Summer Day Camp Program
Geological Society of America Annual Meeting - Session Chair, 2010
Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunity by NASA - Student Advisor, 2002-2003, 2004-2005
Community College of Rhode Island Minority Mentoring Program - Mentor, 2004-2009
Community College of Rhode Island Disability Resources - Mentor, 2003-2008
Physics Department - Coordinator of Assessment Strategies, 2005-Present
Liberal Arts Task Force - Member, 2011
Academic Advisory Committee - Member, 2004-2007
Learning Evidence Team - Member, 2005-2010
NEASC Committee for College Accreditation - Member, 2002-2003

Education

• Ph.D., Environmental Sciences - Geoscience | University of Rhode Island
• M.S., Geological Sciences | Brown University
• Geology | Pomona College