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Dr. Lee M. Gray
Department: Geology
What type of interesting features do you incorporate into your classes?
Often I will begin my classes with any news items that are relevant to the subject: landslides, flooding, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, new fossils discoveries, etc. I think it makes the study of geology more immediate and practical. I like to keep a few jokes on hand. Sometimes when I see that students are getting a bit saturated by all of the information in the class, I just take a minute or two to tell a joke. It really helps get them back on track. Recently I've included some video clips of geologic phenomena that I've found on the web. I've found that these have a real impact on the students by reinforcing the material we're covering in the class.
In your opinion, how is Mount Union College unique from other small liberal arts colleges?
One very special quality of Mount Union is the sense of community that exists here, not just with the students, but with the faculty and staff, too. By the time they graduate, most students really feel that they are part of a "Mount Union family.” It's a sense of belonging that many retain throughout their lives.
How do Mount Union students benefit from attending a small school as opposed to a larger school?
See above.
Have you done any interesting research or developed any interesting courses at Mount Union? If so, explain.
Currently I'm working on a small research project which is investigating the early cementation of carbonate sediments by microbes. I've gotten some geology students involved in the project and will report some preliminary findings in the new Mount Union Inter-Disciplinary Journal.
What kinds of opportunities do Mount Union students have after graduating from College?
Most of the geology graduates go on to graduate school or find employment in environmental consulting.
In what activities do you participate in your spare time?
I like to garden and travel. A few years ago I was recruited to sing in our church choir. I've been doing that ever since. Several times during the year, my wife and I also participate in Habitat for Humanity builds.
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