My Adventures in Glacier Bay, Alaska

Professor Kent Syverson conducted his PhD research in Glacier Bay, Alaska, as part of the National Geographic Society’s Burroughs Glacier Expedition.  In 1989-90, he spent two summers living 50 miles from the nearest human outpost in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.  Syverson, who was then a young graduate student, made numerous mistakes and learned many things through hardships in the wilderness.  In his presentation, Professor Syverson will tell his favorite (and humorous) adventure story excerpted from his book “Adventures in Glacier Bay,” talk about living “off the grid” in the Alaskan wilderness, briefly discuss some of his research in Glacier Bay, and reflect on life lessons learned in the backcountry.  No geological background is necessary to enjoy his talk!  Signed copies of Adventures in Glacier Bay will be available at his talk.

About the Speaker

Kent M. Syverson is a Professor of Geology and Environmental Science at UW-Eau Claire and a talented storyteller.  He grew up in northern Minnesota, received his BS in geology from UM-Duluth, and earned his MS and PhD in glacial geology from UW-Madison.  He has conducted glacial geology research with UW-Eau Claire undergraduate students in Maine and Wisconsin, including projects along Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail in the Blue Hills, the Chippewa Moraine, and Straight Lake State Park.  He also mapped the glacial geology of Chippewa County for the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (Syverson, 2007).  Syverson is the 2012 recipient of the UW-Eau Claire Excellence in Teaching award and author of the book Adventures in Glacier Bay (2020, Amazon).

Presented by the Sierra Club's Chippewa Valley Group.