Emily L. Godin

Career Stage: Fourth-year Geosciences Ph.D. candidate.

Why I Care About Science: Science allows me the space, creativity, and freedom to ask and pursue the answers to questions I have about this gorgeous planet we call home.

As a first-generation college student, I never imagined I would become a scientist, but somewhere along the way, I fell in love with understanding how Earth's landscapes formed and how they continue to change.

My geomorphology research focuses on the processes that shape mountain landscapes over millions of years. I am particularly interested in how rivers carve into mountains and what unusual landscape features can tell us about Earth's history. My research in Arizona's Pinaleño Mountains brings together field observations, digital elevation data, and geochemical techniques to investigate why this mountain range has retained its broad, relatively flat summit.

Equally important to me is making geoscience accessible to others. Before pursuing my Ph.D., I earned degrees in geology and secondary Earth science education and worked as a high school Earth science teacher. Today, I develop and study virtual field experiences that allow students to explore real landscapes, investigate geologic processes, and practice thinking like scientists, even when they cannot visit these places themselves.

Ultimately, I hope to become a professor who combines research and teaching. Whether I'm exploring mountain streams, developing virtual field trips, or working with students, my goal is to better understand Earth's landscapes and help others discover just how fascinating they are.

October 2026