معرفی
Dr. Kelly Best Lazar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering and Science Education and the Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences at Clemson University. She holds a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from The Ohio State University (2014), an M.S. in Geology from East Carolina University (2010), and a B.S. in Geology from North Carolina State University (2007). Her research spans sedimentology, coastal geology, and geoscience education, focusing on Quaternary environmental change, hurricane history reconstruction, ocean acidification, and broadening participation in STEM. Dr. Lazar also leads initiatives in virtual reality field experiences and experiential learning to enhance geoscience education.
Her professional experience includes roles at Clemson since 2018, a postdoctoral fellowship (2016–2018), and prior teaching/research positions at The Ohio State University and Capital University. She is actively involved in professional organizations like the Geological Society of America and the National Association of Geoscience Teachers.
Lazar’s research has produced over 40 refereed publications and conference presentations, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and student-centered pedagogy. Key contributions include developing the GeoXploration mobile app and advancing VR tools for geoscience education. She has secured multiple NSF grants totaling over $3M, including leadership in projects like BASIC Needs and PROSPECT S-STEM.
Her awards include the 2019 CNSF Exhibition invitation and QRM Scholar recognition (2021–2022). Lazar advises numerous graduate students, focusing on geoscience education and coastal systems. She actively promotes diversity in STEM through outreach programs and serves on university-wide committees, including the Faculty Senate and Global Engagement initiatives.
