Jeffrey Chiarenzelli

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Jeffrey Chiarenzelli, professor of Geology

Man sitting with a dog

Although I am not a first-generation college student (my father went to college) I am the first in my extended family to obtain a Ph.D. and choose a career in higher education.  I grew up in the Hudson Valley and worked during my school years at Meadowbrook Farms where I helped to operate a small farm stand, apple orchard, and cider mill.  During the “off” season I worked at Classic Autobody, where I repaired collisions and painted classic cars.  I attended St. Lawrence because of its rural setting, proximity to the Adirondacks, and the chance to participate in a truly exceptional DIII wrestling program. My love of the outdoors resulted in undergraduate and graduate degrees in geology and a number of really interesting jobs and travel opportunities, before settling into a teaching career twenty years ago.  My work has included geological mapping and exploration in the Canadian Arctic, contaminant studies for the NYS Bureau of Environmental Exposure Investigation, directing an Advanced Oxidation Laboratory focused on innovative environmental remediation technologies, serving as a Technical Advisor to Native Corporations and Communities in Alaska, and environmental consulting work and expert witness testimony related to solving soil, sediment, air, and water contamination issues.

At St. Lawrence I teach several geology core classes and electives focusing on the environmental and alternative energy.  My research focusses on the geology and environmental science of the Adirondack Region and Canadian Arctic.  Two of my children have attended St, Lawrence, a third is leaning that way (no geologists yet though).  I truly believe the study of geology is essential to making the best decisions for the planet (and us) and welcome anyone to consider such a career.  You will be surprised how varied it is and how much there is to learn.

It is my pleasure to work with this initiative and I have experience mentoring many first-generation college students from northern New York, the United States and abroad.  It is truly an honor and a privilege to pay back the fine mentoring and training I received as a geology student at SLU.