معرفی
Dr. Carol Sawyer is an Associate Professor of Geography in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of South Alabama, College of Arts and Sciences. Based in ELSB 136 with office hours on Mondays (12:30-1:30, 3-4), Tuesdays (2-4), and Thursdays (2-4), she specializes in geomorphological research within mountain and periglacial environments across the Western U.S.
Her educational background includes:
- B.Sc. in Geography from Montana State University-Bozeman
- M.Sc. in Geography from Southwest Texas State University
- Ph.D. in Geography from Texas State University
Dr. Sawyer's research centers on geomorphology, mountain geography, and periglacial processes, examining how landscapes respond to climate change, natural disturbances, and human impacts. She investigates mass wasting phenomena like debris flows and avalanches, alpine treeline dynamics, and micro-scale geomorphic adjustments, with recent fieldwork in Washington's Olympic Mountains. Her methodological expertise includes dendrogeomorphology, zoogeomorphology, and innovative techniques like webcam monitoring and historical postcard analysis.
Publications from 2003-2012 reveal consistent focus on mountain geomorphology, particularly snow avalanche reconstruction using tree-ring analysis and zoogeomorphic impacts on landscapes. Key thematic threads include periglacial processes, disturbance ecology in alpine zones, and novel approaches for documenting environmental change through historical records and real-time monitoring systems.
Dr. Sawyer actively mentors undergraduate students in field and laboratory research, teaching courses including Mountain Geography (GEO 317), Natural Hazards (GEO 405), and Research Methods (GEO 435). Her collaborative work with David R. Butler and others demonstrates strong interdisciplinary engagement across geography, ecology, and earth sciences.
