The Faculty:
The Environmental Studies program is administered by a committee of PLU faculty representing a wide range of disciplines in the College of Arts and Sciences and the professional schools. These faculty are also regular Environmental Studies instructors.
Ann Auman, Assistant Professor of Biology (Ph.D., University of Washington), is a microbial ecologist. Her research involves the use of molecular techniques to assess the diversity of microbial communities in forest tree canopies. She can be reached at (253) 535-8485 or aumanaj@plu.edu
Chuck Bergman, Professor of English (Ph.D., University of Minnesota), teaches environmental literature and creative nonfiction. He specializes in writing about wildlife issues. He has a particular interest in endangered species and animal issues, as well as water sustainability He can be reached at (253) 535-7490 or bergmaca@plu.edu
Michael Behrens, Assistant Professor of Biology (Ph.D., University of
California, Santa Barbara), teaches ecology and is interested in ecology, evolution biology and biogeography of aquatic systems. He can be reached at (253) 535-7565 or behrenmd@plu.edut
Duncan Foley, Professor of Geosciences (Ph.D., Ohio State University), On sabbatical 2007-2008, teaches courses which emphasize the relationships of people with their natural environment, including water supply, water pollution, human use of land and resources, and geologic hazards. He can be reached at (253) 535-7568 or foleyd@plu.edu
Erin McKenna, Professor of Philosophy (Ph.D., Purdue University). She can be reached at (253) 535-7213 or mckenne@plu.edu
Rose McKenney, Associate Professor of Geoscience and Environmental Studies (Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University) teaches conservation of natural resources, geomorphology and environmental studies methods. Her interests include science education and curriculum development, fluvial processes and aquatic habitat, and water sustainability in the built environment. She can be reached at (253) 535-8726 or mckennra@plu.edu
Brian Naasz, Clinical Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley), teaches environmental chemistry. His interests include connections between environmental issues, science, and ethics, and teaching youth advocacy skills. He can be reached at (253) 535-8104 or naasz@plu.edu.
Kevin O'Brien, Assistant Professor of Religion (Ph.D., Emory University) teaches courses in environmental ethics and environmental
cultures, emphasizing the interconnections between social ethics and
environmental concerns, and between scientific data and moral
commitments. He can be reached at (253) 535-7239 or obrien@plu.edu
D. W. Sid Olufs, Professor of Political Science (Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University) teaches environmental politics and policy, and other politics courses. He can be reached at (253) 535-8727 or olufsdw@plu.edu
E. Duke Richey, Visiting Assistant Professor of History (Ph.D., University of Colorado), teaches environmental history, history of the western US and 19th century history. His interests include place histories and histories of environmental activism. His recent work includes the link between the rebirth of telemark skiing and environmentalism in the 1970s. He can be reached at (253) 538-6129 or richeydd@plu.edu.
Troy Storfjell, Assistant Professor of Norwegian and
Scandinavian Studies (Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Madison), teaches Norwegian, courses on post-colonialism, and courses on Scandinavian culture. His current research focuses on the literature of the Sami people, and the influences of colonialism on Sami interactions with other Scandinavian peoples. He is also interested in circumpolar environmental issues. He can be reached at (253) 535-8514 or storfjta@plu.edu
Duane Swank,
Professor of Chemistry (Ph.D., Montana State University), On sabbatical 2007-2008, teaches
environmental chemistry. He can be
reached at (253) 535-7556 or swankdd@plu.edu