Professor Amy Leventer
2018 Goldthwait Lecture - Amy Leventer, Colgate University
The Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center is pleased to announce Dr. Amy Leventer, Orville Whitnall Professor of Geology at Colgate University, as the 2018 winner of the Goldthwait Polar Medal in recognition of her distinguished record of scholarship and service in polar science.
Dr. Leventer is an outstanding geoscientist who has made important contributions to polar science, education, and the polar research community at large. Her research spans marine geology, biological oceanography, and paleoclimatology with an emphasis on understanding the coupled ocean-climate system of the Antarctic margin on a range of timescales. She is an expert in the use of marine diatom and other geochemical data, combined with process-oriented studies of modern polar sedimentation and ecosystems. She has published over 76 peer-reviewed publications and has participated in 22 marine research cruises in Antarctica, leading 5 as chief- or co-chief scientist.
According to Dr. Stefanie Brachfeld, Associate Dean and Professor of Earth and Environmental Studies at Montclair State University, “Amy is one of the true pioneers in Antarctic marine geology, as a scientist, as one of the first women to lead international collaborative research teams in Antarctica as chief scientist aboard the RVIB Palmer and LM Gould, and as an advocate for the Antarctic community on the first committees charged with oversight and planning for polar research vessels.”
Dr. Leventer is a dedicated mentor to students and young polar scientists, having advised over 63 undergraduate student research projects, 50 of which were on Antarctic research topics. She has also advised 12 graduate students and served as an invited instructor at numerous research training workshops. Polar and marine science communities have benefited from Dr. Leventer’s frequent and active participation on National Science Foundation panels and advisory committees, particularly those overseeing polar research vessels, as well her roles as convener of many AGU and GSA conference sessions, co-editor of an AGU Antarctic Research Series volume, reviewer of numerous manuscripts and proposals, and coordinator of travel grants for research and training workshops.
Dr. Amelia Shevenell, Associate Professor of Marine Science at the University of Southern Florida, says Dr. Leventer “has achieved research excellence while teaching three to four undergraduate courses annually, planning and participating in international Antarctic research expeditions, mentoring undergraduate researchers, and publishing these results”. Shevenell continues, “Professor Leventer’s over thirty years of outstanding scientific contributions have had a significant and large-scale impact, and together with her tireless commitment to mentoring early career polar researchers, exemplify exactly what the Goldthwait Polar Medal is intended to recognize and honor.”
After receiving her PhD from Rice University, Dr. Leventer was a Byrd Postdoctoral Fellow and Senior Research Associate at the Byrd Center between 1989 and 1994. She has been on the faculty of Colgate University since 1997.
Established in 1996, the Goldthwait Polar Medal is awarded annually in recognition of “outstanding contributions to polar research.” It is the highest honor bestowed by the Byrd Center. The award is named in honor of Dr. Richard Parker Goldthwait, a leading glacial geologist and the founder and first Director (1960-1965) of The Ohio State University’s Institute of Polar Studies, now the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center.
Dr. Leventer received her award and presented the Goldthwait Lecture at the Byrd Center on February 7, 2019, after she returned from yet another trip to "the ice" as part of the SALSA project.
Ian Howat presents Amy Leventer with the 2018 Goldthwait Polar Medal, at the Byrd Center.