What's New in the Department

Dr. Vicki Pedone retired in May 2017 after 28 years of service to the University and was granted Emerita status in August 2017. An esteemed teacher and scholar, she taught classes in Earth History, Field Geology, Sedimentation and Stratigraphy, Global Systems, Sedimentary Petrology, Geochemistry, and Paleoclimate. Her research focused on the geochemistry and petrology of lacustrine carbonate rocks in Australia and the Great Basin of western North America. She served four years as Associate Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, followed by seven years as Chair of the Department of Geological Sciences. Vicki led an impressive transformation of the department during her tenure as Chair, which included revising the department's undergraduate curriculum, constructing and equipping state-of-the-art laboratories, acquiring private support for graduate students and instrumentation, and hiring new staff and faculty.

Vicki greatly admired and respected students who blossomed or 'caught fire' in both their love of geology and class performance as they progressed through the major. She cherished her role in assisting these undergraduates to reach their full potentials. Her vital efforts in this area have made the Northridge Department of Geological Sciences a special place. With this in mind, Vicki suggested initiating the "Catching Fire Scholarship" to be awarded each year to a student with these characteristics. We are now accepting charitable contributions to make her wish a reality. Please consider giving generously to the Catching Fire Scholarship at your earliest convenience. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.

  Click here for information on how to donate.