Faculty Leaders
Scott Burns
Scott Burns, '69, MS '70, has taught geology and ecology at the university level for over 40 years and has won many awards for excellence in teaching. His passion for mountain ecology began when he visited a small village in Switzerland in 1970 to teach a new course called alpine ecology. Since then he has become well versed on the unique natural forces that shape mountain environments as well as the plants and animals that inhabit them. His enthusiasm is contagious and his knowledge of geology, local history and botany is broad. Born and raised in Oregon, he is a sixth-generation Oregonian whose forebears traversed the Oregon Trail by covered wagon in 1843. He has accompanied numerous Travel/Study programs in the European Alps, Alaska, Canada and the Pacific Northwest.
"Rarely does one find a professor as enthusiastic as Scott. He makes learning FUN! He is a gem."
Positions
- Chair of the department of geology at Portland State University
- President of the Faculty Senate at three universities: Louisiana Tech University, the American College of Switzerland and Portland State University
- Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Portland State University, 1997-1999
- National president, Association of Engineering Geologists, 2003-2004
Academic History
- BS, Chemistry, and MS, Physical Science, Stanford University
- PhD, Geology, University of Colorado, Boulder