Patrick K. Spencer

Patrick K. Spencer is the Grace F. Phillips Professor of Geology at Whitman College, where he has taught since 1984. His academic career includes a B.S. from the University of Washington (1973), M.S. from Western Washington University (1980), and Ph.D. from the University of Washington (1984). His research focuses on late Pleistocene sedimentology, stratigraphy, and paleontology in the Pacific Northwest, conducted collaboratively with undergraduate students. Teaching specialties include Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Paleobiology, and the geology of the Pacific Northwest. He also teaches interdisciplinary courses like 'Pages of Stone: the Literature of Geology.'

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Geology, University of Washington, 1973
• Master of Science in Micropaleontology, Western Washington University, 1980
• Ph.D. in Geology, University of Washington, 1984

Research Interests: Spencer's work integrates sedimentological, stratigraphic, and paleontological analyses to understand geological history. Key areas include the stratigraphy of the Olympic Peninsula, trace fossils in Eocene sediments, and the geology of the Touchet Beds. His fieldwork emphasizes hands-on, collaborative research with students, leading to publications in journals like Northwest Science and ICHNOS.

Teaching: Courses include Geologic History of the Pacific Northwest, Regional Geology field studies, and Paleobiology. He emphasizes experiential learning through fieldwork and interdisciplinary approaches.

Advising & Grants: Spencer mentors Whitman geology majors in presenting research at professional meetings. His work has been supported through institutional grants and collaborative projects with regional universities.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with students on field-based studies in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, focusing on sedimentary processes and paleoenvironmental reconstruction.