Biography

I first decided that I wanted to be a geologist during a Brown University departmental field trip to the White Mountains, New Hampshire. It was my second week in Physical Geology, and although I was utterly lost and confused, I was captivated by the enthusiasm of the professor and his seemingly amazing ability to “read” the rocks in the field. Now as a professor myself, I try to convey that same enthusiasm and geologic curiosity to my students both in the classroom and on the outcrop. In the classroom, I strive to bring geology to life through hands-on activities and group discussions that encourage students to ask questions of me and each other. I believe that integrating these teaching styles with a standard lecture format creates an environment where students feel engaged and comfortable asking questions. Outside the classroom, I lead field trips as an essential tool to introduce students to field geology, to have them collect their own primary data and thereby create their own interpretations based on critical thinking and logical reasoning. In the field, I see my role as a guide (more than a repository of correct answers), helping students to reason their way to their own interpretations. Whether they go on to become earth scientists, journalists, or software engineers, the ability to think critically, to problem-solve, and to effectively convey their ideas are life-skills that extend beyond geology.

Titles & Contact Info

Joshua Jeremiah Schwartz
Professor, Petrology and Geochronology
California State University Northridge
Department of Geological Sciences

Schwartz Lab
Petrology and Geochronology
California State University Northridge
Department of Geological Sciences
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8266
Office: Live Oak 1200

Contact
Office: 818-677-5813
joshua.schwartz@csun.edu

Logos