Michelle J. Markley

Michelle J. Markley is the Elizabeth Page Greenawalt Professor of Geology and Chair of the Department of Geology and Geography at Mount Holyoke College. She specializes in structural geology and tectonics, focusing on rock deformation, mountain belt formation, and metamorphic/igneous processes. Her research spans fieldwork in locations like the Canadian Grenville, Appalachian Mountains, and Western Alps. She integrates dialogue-based pedagogy to bridge scientific communication with community needs through her role as an Intergroup Dialogue Center Faculty Fellow.

• Education: Ph.D., University of Minnesota; B.A., Oberlin College

Her research interests emphasize understanding geological processes through field-based studies of mountain belts and folds/faults. She teaches courses such as Structural Geology and Orogenesis, and her recent publication in Nature Geoscience explores interdisciplinary perspectives on the Anthropocene. She actively promotes inclusive STEM education through initiatives like the 'Being Human in STEM' program.