Cindy Shellito

Cindy Shellito is Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado, part of the College of Natural and Health Sciences. She has been a faculty member since 2005 and holds a Ph.D. in Earth Science from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

• Ph.D., Earth Science – University of California, Santa Cruz
• M.S., Atmospheric Science – University of California, Davis
• B.S., Atmospheric Science – University of California, Davis

Dr. Shellito's research focuses on climate variability and change, paleoclimate modeling, and science education. She investigates the impact of greenhouse gases on rapid climate transitions, the dynamics of warm paleoclimates, and climate-vegetation feedbacks. Her educational work emphasizes using conceptual and numerical models to enhance student inquiry and developing curricula with societal relevance.

The recent publications reflect a strong trajectory in paleoclimatology and climate modeling, particularly during the Eocene and Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum periods, as well as applied work in climate education and mentoring. Her work bridges geoscience and pedagogy, with field studies in the Andes and modeling-based reconstructions of ancient climates.

Dr. Shellito has received several scientific honors and professional recognitions:

• Fulbright Core Scholar Grant (2015) for research and teaching at the University of Cuenca, Ecuador
• Editor-in-Chief of In The Trenches, the National Association for Geoscience Teachers’ quarterly magazine (2013–2016)
• Co-Principal Investigator on an NSF InTeGrate Project sub-award focused on inclusive geoscience curriculum and recruitment

She has advised undergraduate researchers and contributed to literature on effective mentoring practices. Her grants and projects emphasize interdisciplinary, student-centered, and diversity-inclusive approaches to geoscience education and research. She leads curriculum development initiatives that connect climate science to societal challenges.

Dr. Shellito leads research efforts that integrate modeling, field data, and educational innovation. She collaborates with national and international institutions, including Carleton College and the University of Cuenca, and contributes to large-scale educational reform projects in the geosciences.