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Shawn Willsey

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Evergreen A-18
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Education Information

M.S. in Geology, Northern Arizona University, 2000

B.S. in Geology, Weber State University, 1997

Background/Personal Information

I began my college career without a major or much direction in life.  After three years of attending college sporadically, I enrolled in a college geology course that set me on a path that I have thoroughly enjoyed ever since.  After earning my B.S. in Geology at Weber State University, I moved to the high pine forests of Flagstaff, Arizona to pursue a Master's degree at Northern Arizona University (home of the Fighting Lumberjacks!).  

My M.S. research investigated a unique set of extensional structures related to the opening of the Gulf of California during the Miocene (~6-12 Ma).  The field research involved about 8 weeks of geologic mapping and structural data collection in the rugged Sierra de la Giganta near Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.  After earning my M.S., I worked for two years as a hydrogeologist for a consulting firm in Salt Lake City where I was involved in well siting, groundwater source protection, and water rights disputes.  I also taught geology part-time at Salt Lake Community College for a year.  From there I taught full-time at a small community college in southeastern California before coming to CSI in the fall of 2004.  In April of 2007, I became a licensed professional geologist in the State of Idaho.  I occassionally do consulting work on weekends and in the summer. I am also a certified climbing guide with the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) and occasionally take clients out for rock climbing adventures.

I am married with an 13-year old daughter, 8-year old son, and a 5-year old son.  In my spare time, I like to explore the geology of the western U.S. and abroad. I also enjoy pursuing outdoor activities (rock climbing, hiking, camping, rafting, snowboarding, etc.) with family and friends.