In-person only Lecture: My Adventures in Glacier Bay

Presenter: Kent Syverson, Ph.D., Professor, Geology and Environmental Science Department, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

Link to Presenter: https://www.uwec.edu/profiles/syverskm
2nd Link to Presenter: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kent-Syverson

Summary: 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. He studied eskers, glacial lake sedimentation, and complex deglaciation patterns associated with calving glaciers. 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 ($25, cash, check, or PayPal).

This lecture will be recorded for GSM's YouTube Channel.

Biography: Kent M. Syverson is a Professor of Geology and Environmental Science at UW-Eau Claire and a talented storyteller. He grew up in Barnum, 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. 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).

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Except as noted, in-person lectures during the winter-spring 2026 semester are Mondays at 7:00 PM CT on the University of Minnesota campus, Keller Hall, Room 3-210.

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