Julia Sankey
Department
Physics, Physical Sciences and Geology
Biography
I grew up in Santa Barbara, California, and went to college in Idaho and graduate school in Arizona and Louisiana. I study dinosaurs and other vertebrates from the Late Cretaceous, - 75 million years ago. I am interested in understanding the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.
Academic Credentials
B.S. Biology, Albertson College of Idaho
M.S. Quaternary Studies, Northern Arizona
University
Ph.D. Geology, Louisiana State University
Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship
Area of expertise
Paleontology and geology
What have you learned from your students?
Many things. I learned from one student out in the field in Big Bend National Park, Texas, that it is fun to swim in the Rio Grande River!
Why do students choose CSU Stanislaus?
I think many students at CSU Stanislaus are from the Central Valley and don't want to move too far away from home for college. I just posed this question to a student on a field trip and she said it was because she could have her own apartment on campus! I think there are lots of reasons: it's a good university, fairly inexpensive, with friendly teachers, etc.
How do students succeed in your class?
They come to class everyday, have a good attitude, do the reading and other assignments, and really get interested in the subject.
What brought you to CSU Stanislaus?
I've always thought the CSU system was a good university system, and I wanted to get back to the West Coast. Also, I wanted to teach at a smaller university where I could teach undergraduate students.
If you were not teaching, what other career do you see yourself in?
Great question. It's hard to imagine. I've always wanted a small farm, so maybe I would be a farmer.
Describe a former student who has attained professional success.
One of my former graduate students from when I was a postdoctoral fellow in South Dakota now has a Ph.D. and is teaching college. One of my former CSUS students is applying for graduate school in paleontology.
E-mail Address
Julia@geology.csustan.edu
