Rachel J. Beane

Rachel J. Beane is the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Natural Sciences at Bowdoin College, where she serves as Associate Dean for Faculty Recruitment and Student Advising in Academic Affairs. A geologist by training, she combines mineralogical analysis with tectonic studies through fieldwork and advanced microscopy techniques.

• Education: PhD in Geology (Stanford University, 1997), BA in Geology (Williams College, 1993)

Research Interests: Focuses on mineral composition analysis to decode Earth's geological processes across diverse regions including New Zealand, Russia, Kazakhstan, Greece, western U.S., and Maine. Her work spans solid earth processes, metamorphic petrology, and volcanic systems, utilizing electron microscopy and field studies.

Science Education Leadership: Pioneered national faculty development programs through NSF-funded initiatives like On the Cutting Edge and the SAGE 2YC program. Her education research examines diversity trends in geoscience, inclusive teaching practices, and professional development diffusion models.

Recent Publications: Highlights include analyses of geoscience diversity trends (2021), faculty development workshops (2022), and metamorphic process studies in the Urals (2000). Her work integrates geoscience research with educational innovation.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Geological Society of America Fellow (2017)
  • Neil Miner Award (2018)
  • Sydney B. Karofsky Prize (2004)
  • NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (1993)

Grant Leadership: Directed multiple NSF grants totaling over $4 million, including SEM acquisition for undergraduate research (2015-17) and large-scale faculty development projects (2010-17). Her administrative roles include acting director of Bowdoin's Baldwin Center for Learning and Teaching (2019).