David Ullman

David Ullman is an Associate Professor of Geoscience at Northland College and affiliated faculty at the Burke Center. His academic journey includes a PhD and MS from the University of Wisconsin, and a BA from Washington University in St. Louis. He has been deeply connected to Northland College since childhood, valuing its environmental liberal arts focus. His teaching spans physical geology, glacial geology, geomorphology, and paleoclimatology, emphasizing hands-on learning in the Upper Midwest’s unique geological landscape.

• Education:
  • PhD, University of Wisconsin
  • MS, University of Wisconsin
  • BA, Washington University in St. Louis

Dr. Ullman’s research explores the intersection of climate and landscape evolution, particularly focusing on refining the chronology of Laurentide Ice Sheet retreat since the Last Glacial Maximum. His work integrates geomorphological clues from the upper Midwest and Eastern Canada to understand ice sheet dynamics and their climatic drivers. He also investigates past climate conditions that enabled ice sheet formation and their implications for future climate scenarios.

His publications highlight themes like ice sheet instability, deglaciation mechanisms, and North Atlantic carbon cycle responses to climate variability. While no scientific awards are listed, his contributions to glacial and climate science are evident through his extensive research output. He emphasizes local-based learning, inspired by early exposure to natural science through publications like Ranger Rick.

No advising records or grant details are provided in the text. His interests in outdoor activities such as trail running and Nordic skiing reflect his connection to the natural environments he studies.