Steven Semken

Steven Semken is a Professor of Geology and Education in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University (ASU). He holds affiliations with the Global Institute of Sustainability, the Humanities Research Institute, and the CRESMET center. His academic background includes a PhD from MIT (1989), an MS from UCLA (1984), and a SB from MIT (1980). Semken's research focuses on ethnogeology, place-based geoscience education, and cultural sustainability, particularly in Indigenous communities of the Southwestern U.S. and Latin America. He has pioneered work integrating Native American knowledge systems with mainstream geology.

His career includes 15 years teaching at Diné College on the Navajo Nation, where he developed culturally responsive curricula. Current research collaborations involve the Grand Canyon National Park's Trail of Time interpretative project and virtual field experience development. Semken has authored over 140 scholarly works and secured $8.2M in grants, including NSF funding for natural hazards education and tribal partnerships.

Awarded multiple teaching distinctions, including ASU's top natural science teaching honor and Geological Society of America Fellowship (2014), Semken emphasizes emotional engagement in science education. He advises numerous graduate students in geoscience education, field geology, and cultural sustainability. His work bridges geoscience with social justice, emphasizing land rights and Indigenous knowledge preservation.

Key projects include the Global Futures Scientist role, leadership in the EarthScope National Office, and contributions to UNESCO geopark initiatives. Semken's outreach extends to public lectures, teacher workshops, and virtual field trips for diverse audiences, reflecting his commitment to democratizing geoscience access.