HEATHER MACDONALD: A POSITIVE IMPACT FACTOR INFLUENCING PERSISTENCE AND SUCCESS IN THE GEOSCIENCES

Positive impact factors that are associated with increased diversity and persistence in STEM fields include authentic science engagement, role models, mentors and mentoring, a community of support, and professional development, among others (Johnson, A., 2016). Heather Macdonald embodies all of these positive factors, and undoubtingly, has played a significant role in inspiring and connecting many emerging geoscientists to the broader geoscience community. Heather is a wise instructor, serving as a role model to many young geoscientists. She models effective teaching practices, offers career advice, shares career opportunities, and provides access to and leads professional development. Heather assists in creating pathways to becoming a geoscientist and works diligently to help prepare and provide experiences to continue to support geoscience faculty, including her work with the Early Career program. Her work has been especially notable among the two-year college community, where her innovation on developing the SAGE projects led to a national network of engaged 2YC faculty. Other specific examples of how she has positively impacted the 2YC community will be shared, as will the impact she has had on individuals from undergraduate years with Heather as an instructor to now experiences with Heather as colleague.