Jeffrey Chiarenzelli ’81, James Henry Chapin professor of geology, has been appointed as the MacAllaster Professor of North Country Studies. His appointment will begin on July 1, 2015.
Chiarenzelli developed his interest in the history and natural environment of the North Country while he was an undergraduate student of geology at St. Lawrence, and his work on the North Country has continued to the present. In 2006, he was appointed associate professor of Geology at St. Lawrence and promoted to full professor in 2010. He was recognized on campus with the J. Calvin Keene Award in 2009.
Chiarenzelli has published 90 peer-reviewed papers, as well as numerous book chapters, geologic maps and other academic works. In 2008, he was elected fellow of the Geological Society of America, an honor bestowed on the best of in the profession in recognition of their distinguished contributions. He also serves as a research associate of the New York State Museum. Recently, he was appointed to Adirondack Research Consortium’s board of directors.
“Jeff Chiarenzelli has made fundamental contributions to the geology of the Hudsonian orogen and the Adirondack Mountains, principally through zircon geochronology – and they represent breakthroughs,” said James M. McLelland, emeritus professor of geology at Colgate University. “He has also made important contributions to techniques dealing with toxic wastes and PCBs. Beyond these, he has been an outstanding teacher of undergraduates.”
In relation to teaching, Chiarenzelli will teach a course that focuses on the natural history of the region and current issues related to environmental contaminants – including mercury, acidification and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) – climate change and the geology of the North Country and surrounding environs. Chiarenzelli said he would like to teach this course in coordination with other courses focused on the region. He also may offer a course on hydrology and water chemistry in the region.
Chiarenzelli plans to use the MacAllaster chair stipend to work on a variety of projects, including continued research of how and when northern New York was formed as well as a series of projects that examine mining in the North Country, both historically and as a potential source of economic development.
The Archie F. MacAllaster and Barbara Torrey MacAllaster Professorship in North Country Studies was established in Fall 2014 through the generosity of MacAllaster family members and friends to honor the memory of North Country native Archie F. MacAllaster ’50, P’78, late treasurer of the Board of Trustees. The position recognizes a faculty member who makes a three-year commitment to focus research on the North Country, as well as teach one course each semester that incorporates a significant focus on North Country related history, issues, and events.
