Lecturers

 

Brad Buerer
Lecturer

Phone: (408) 924-5243
Office: DH 320
Office Hours: By appointment via Zoom
E-mail: bradley.buerer@sjsu.edu

Brad is a former SJSU graduate student currently teaching Age of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life.

Matt Leigh
Lecturer

Office: DH 301
Office Hours: By appointment
E-mail: matthew.leigh@sjsu.edu

I study igneous geochemistry and geochronology.  My research is focused on timescales of shallow, young layered plutons in Nevada.  The major question that my thesis encompasses involves the method and length of time for pluton emplacement. I use high precision Uranium/Lead geochronology and elemental geochemistry to examine pluton construction.

Joe Petsche
Lecturer

Phone: (408) 924-5051
Office: DH 320
Office Hours: By appointment via Zoom
E-mail: joseph.petsche@sjsu.edu

My research centers on the emplacement and growth of Cretaceous magma chambers and involves field mapping of granites up in the high country of Yosemite National Park, a wonderful field area to be able to work in. My focus in recent years has been science education and developing new pedagogies and strategies of teaching Earth Science at the college level. The classes I teach include Earth Systems (Geology 103), Prehistoric Life (Geology 107), and Earth, Time and Life (Geology 7). I have also authored and published a college-level textbook entitled Prehistoric Life for my class of the same name, and it’s currently in its third edition.

João Santos
Lecturer

Phone: (408) 924-5054
Office: DH 419
Office Hours: Online everyday by appointment
E-mail: joao.santos@sjsu.edu
Website: https://www.joaosantosgeo.com/

I am a geomorphologist with research interests in glacial geomorphology, paleoclimatology, and remote sensing. My research areas are in south-central Alaska and northern Portugal where I reconstruct paleo-glacial processes and try to understand the genesis of glacial landforms. My work has appeared in numerous scholarly journals. I have also served as Associate Editor in the Journal of Polar Geography. Prior to joining SJSU, I held faculty positions at South Dakota State University and Bridgewater State University.

Gerald Schwartz
Lecturer

Office: DH 419
Office Hours: By appointment
E-mail: gerald.schwartz@sjsu.edu

I earned a B.S. degree in Marine Biology and Zoology at Humboldt State University, a Masters in Science Education at San Jose State University, and hold a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science.  I am currently working as a part-time lecturer at San Jose State University where I teach Geology 103, Earth Systems and the Environment. I am also a Sustainability Coordinator for the County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability (OOS), leading the OOS Schools Program for the past 13 years. I have six years of experience working in formal education as a Middle School and High School Science Teacher; and three years of volunteer service in the US Peace Corps working in Nicaragua as an Environmental Educator and Promoter. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors:  hiking, mountain biking, and surfing.

LeAnne Teruya
Lecturer

Phone: (408) 924-5023
Office: DH 419
Office Hours (Spring 2022): By appointment
E-mail: leanne.teruya@sjsu.edu

I teach introductory Geology and Earth Science courses, and also the Geology for Engineers course for the Civil Engineering degree.  As Co-Director of the Bay Area Environmental STEM Institute here at SJSU, I conduct professional development workshops for middle school and high school teachers.  I am a structural geologist with an ongoing interest in magmatic fabrics and structures in plutons.   It’s kind of a cliché, but I really do love rocks!  I enjoy the adventure  of fieldwork and discovery of the stories rocks tell.  When I’m not teaching, I am usually travelling to take photos for my classes, learning something new to add to my classes, or doing research in Yosemite National Park.  In my spare time, I love baking, all creative activities, and spending time with my family.