Samuel Castonguay

Earth and Environmental Sciences (ESS) Instructor since 2023

Interests: Conservation Geology, Field Geology Pedagogy, and Geoheritage

Courses: Geology Sequence (G201, 202, and 203) for Geology/Science majors; G101, 102, and 103 for non-science majors; G149 Catastrophic Earth (non-lab); I also teach summer Field Geology courses for University of Oregon - Earth Sciences Department. 

Earth is a System of Systems (Helio-, Geo-, Atmo-, Hydro, and Bio-), and energy drives the cycling of matter (water cycle, for instance). Here in the EES discipline, these Big Ideas are constantly on our mind. We think about Earth at many scales: the global perspective such as plate tectonics, a regional perspective such as the influence of the Cascadia Subduction zone on the PNW, a local perspective such as the Geology of Lane County, an outcrop perspective such as looking at the Goshen (I5 Exit 188B) outcrop, a hand sample perspective holding a rock, the hand lens perspective using a 10-20x jewelers' loupe to look at small minerals in the rock, a microscopic perspective using a polarized light passing through crystals, and a geochemical perspective by using mass spectrometry to determine the elemental composition. PHEW! We geologist will do anything to learn more about the Earth! 

In the non-major classes, I emphasis trying to have fun with rocks -- they appear so dull and boring. I like wild lectures, field trips, and illuminating the inaimate nature of the "Private Life of Rocks". Fall trips to Oregon National Parks/Monuments. 

In the 200-level majors sequence, I am much more serious! (that is a joke). I emphasis preparing students for success in their core geology sequence at the U: Mineralogy, Petrology, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Structural Geology, and Geology Field Camp. I also emphasis Field Geology and conducting research. 

In a personal note, I actually started college right here at LaneCC! After growing up in South Dakota, I made my way to Eugene and heard good things from co-workers. While here, I fell in love with rocks (and my spouse!) and then completed by B.Sc. and M.Sc. at University of Oregon. Besides working with Marli Miller and the great rocks of Death Valley, I intended to gain a M.Sc. degree to give me a background in research, work in the field a bit, and then instruct at a Community College someday. Back then, I had no idea Id be back "home" two decades later. :) In the interim, I've worked for the Alaska Dept. of Geology and Geophysical Surveys, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Treasure Valley Community College and co-started the non-profit organization Friends of the Owyhee. Husband and father of three, I enjoy the outdoors, yoga, and meditation. 

Research Papers:

"Precambrian Olistoliths masquerading as Sills from Death Valley, CA" Journal of Geologic Society, 2018

"Synchronous Late Pleistocene Extensional Faulting and Basaltic Volcanism at Four Craters Lava Field, Central Oregon" Geosphere 2015