Marie Solum
Director of K-12 Outreach
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5241 USA
Joined MGS in 2023
Research Interests:
- K-12 Geoscience Education
- Environmental Geoscience
- Surface Water Quality
Marie Solum is a distinguished professional serving as the Director of K-12 Outreach at the Michigan Geological Survey, where she dedicates her expertise to fostering geoscience understanding among Michigan schools, educators, students, and the wider community through curated curriculum and educational resources.
With a career spanning various domains, Mrs. Solum initially made contributions as a geologist in the environmental consulting sector, undertaking projects across Michigan, the United States, and abroad, residing in dynamic locales such as Detroit, the San Francisco Bay Area, Houston, Texas, and The Netherlands. Transitioning into the realm of education, she became a certified secondary science teacher, proficient in teaching a spectrum of scientific disciplines in both Michigan and Texas. Her instructional repertoire encompasses high school geology, middle school physical science, and integrated science courses. Additionally, she shares her passion for geology as an adjunct instructor for introductory courses at a four-year college.
Deeply committed to advancing science education, Mrs. Solum serves as a Board Member of the Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association and is an active member of other professional organizations, including the Geological Society of America, the National Science Teaching Association, and the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education. Beyond her professional affiliations, she channels her dedication to environmental stewardship through volunteer endeavors, participating in the Michigan MiCorp Program as a lake and stream monitor and contributing her expertise to various water quality initiatives, including the Black Lake Preservation Society, the Tip of the Mitt Black Lake Watershed Advisory Council, and the Harmful Algal Bloom Subcommittee.
Outside her professional commitments, Mrs. Solum finds solace in the landscapes of Northern Michigan, where she enjoys exploring with her husband and two teenage children.
B.S. Geology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2001
M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction, Sam Houston State University, 2009
M.S. Geoscience, Mississippi State University, 2023
Education Certifications:
Michigan Department of Education: Integrated Science Grades 6-12
Texas Education Agency: Composite Science Grades 4-8 & 8-12