Randye Rutberg

Professor Randye Rutberg is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at Hunter College, CUNY. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Barnard College and a Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Science from Columbia University. Her research focuses on paleoceanography, particularly using isotopic tools to investigate mechanisms of glacial-interglacial climate change. She explores ocean circulation patterns and their role in climate systems, including studies of the thermohaline circulation and the application of models like the POP3 Ocean Model to analyze carbon isotope responses.

Her educational initiatives include curriculum development for the Environmental Studies major and establishing a BA/MA in Earth Science and Adolescent Education. She teaches courses such as Physical Geology, Oceanography, and Climate Change, with a focus on integrating new technologies like web-based instruction. Current research projects include studying Sr and Nd isotopes in marine sediments, rare earth elements, and the impact of atmospheric/ocean circulation on Antarctic CO2 levels. Future work involves investigating extraterrestrial impacts on climate through interdisciplinary geochemical and anthropological methods.

Her teaching emphasizes enhancing course hierarchies and developing curricula that align with modern environmental challenges. She also contributes to the development of the CUNY Honors College program through courses like the Honors Seminar on Science and New York City.