UMW’s “On the Rocks” Series To Host Speakers Amanda Willingham And Raymond Salazar

The University of Montana Western’s Environmental Science Department is excited to host Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) geologists Amanda Willingham and Raymond Salazar as part of the “On the Rocks” lecture series. Willingham and Salazar will present “Assessing Landslide and Earthquake Hazards Across Montana and Yellowstone National Park” on Wednesday, October 22, at 4:00 p.m. in UMW’s Lucy Carson Library.

Willingham received her M.Sc. in Geology from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2012. She is a field geologist supporting both the STATEMAP and geohazards programs. She has a background in mineral exploration, geochronology, mapping, landslide hazards, and applying modern technologies to traditional geologic mapping (e.g., LiDAR, digital data collection, Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry). Her current projects include expanding the statewide landslide inventory and conducting geologic and geohazard mapping to support STATEMAP objectives.

Salazar received his M.Sc. in Geology from Montana State University in 2023. His research focused on geologic mapping and updating the stratigraphy of Yellowstone’s most recent super eruption. He is now a field-based geologist using detailed mapping and chemical analysis to evaluate the volcanic and plutonic stratigraphy of Montana.

The “On the Rocks” series is an excellent opportunity for students, faculty, and the public to engage with experts in the earth sciences and learn more about developments in hydrology and geomorphology. Each presentation will be preceded by a social gathering at 3:30 p.m., offering light refreshments. We look forward to seeing you!

For more information, please contact UMW Assistant Professor of Environmental Science Dr. Lorrie Carnes at lorraine.carnes@umwestern.edu.