Seminar Details

Seminar Lab Date: March 14, 2022

Seminar Lab Subject: *42nd Anniversary of Mt St. Helens

Seminar Lab Presenter: Sheila Alfsen, M.A., Adjunct Professor of Geology, Portland State University

Seminar Lab Location:

online

Seminar Lab Detail:

Summary: The 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens in Washington was the worst US volcanic disaster in recorded history. Geologist Sheila Alfsen will bring the event back to life, detailing its onset and eruption sequence. She will illustrate its volcanic hazards with examples from other volcanoes and comparing their relative sizes. Sheila will discuss the advances in volcanology made as result of this eruption, and how they are used around the world to gain prediction and offer disaster mitigation.

Biography: Sheila Alfsen, MAT, GIT (Oregon State Board Geologic Examiners)

Background

Paleontology- University of Oregon, Volcanology, Oceanography

Master of Arts in Teaching, Western Oregon University

Bachelors of Arts from Western Oregon University, Geology and Spanish

Oregon resident since 1970- extensively traveled in US, particularly the Western states, Alaska, Arctic region, Iceland, Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico

35 years in Education: experience in interpretation for National Park Service

Current

Instructor of Geology – Portland State University, Chemeketa Community College, Linn Benton Community College

Researcher

FEMA Earthquake Publication Reviewer Curriculum and Course Development – Portland State University

President of Geologic Society of the Oregon Country (Portland)

Professional Consultant – Environmental Impact Statements in Paleontology for Paleontology Associates, GeoEngineers, Tetra Tech, and Natural Resource Group

Helicopter tours of Mt. St. Helens Professional

Memberships

Geologic Society of America

National Association of Geoscience Teachers Lecturer

Geologic Society of the Oregon Country – Current President and Outreach Officer

Association for Women Geoscientists Distinguished Lecturer