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CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University geology professor Anita Grunder, an accomplished volcanologist and a committed teacher who has led student trips from the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain to the geologic wonders of South Africa, has received the 2009 Outstanding Educator Award from the Association of Women Geoscientists.

The award recognizes more than 20 years of educational efforts from K-12 to the doctoral level, a person who leads field trips in every class she teaches, and a widely recognized expert in such diverse fields as volcanology, igneous petrology, geochemistry, and physical geology.

“Anita is an outstanding teacher and an excellent role model, for women and men,” said Roy Haggerty, an OSU associate professor of geosciences who supported her nomination, along with many of her other colleagues and former students. “She has a deep passion for geology, founded in her breadth as a field geologist, which attracts students to the field at all levels.”

Grunder, who received her doctorate from Stanford University, has been on the OSU faculty since 1986. The award from this professional organization recognizes educators who have played a significant role in the education of women geoscientists, made important contributions as professionals and participated in science education programs in their community.

Grunder has received several other awards for her teaching and research, supervised numerous doctoral and masters degree students, been active in advising and curriculum development, and participated in public forums about accomplishments of women in science.

From 2000-05, Grunder also led efforts to establish a new model for K-5 education in the Corvallis School District, with the creation of the Muddy Creek charter school. She is a member of several professional societies, has conducted extensive research on volcanism, tectonic forces and lava flows in the Pacific Northwest and Andes Mountains, and has served as editor for several professional journals.