College of Natural Sciences Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Aspen Manning
Posted: October 14, 2024 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 3 minutes
Dr. Aspen Manning is making a big impact on the lives of her students. A dedicated teacher and scholar, Dr. Manning’s approachable demeanor, unique blend of skills, and innovative style have already made her a favorite among students.
Having joined SUU in the fall of 2022, Dr. Manning has been instrumental in helping the Department of Geosciences to stand up new degrees in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, and Geospatial Science. Created to help fill the multitude of new environmental careers arising in government and industry, the new degrees have contributed to the near doubling of student enrollment in the Geosciences Department.
Dr. Manning came to SUU from Texas State University where she completed both Masters and PhD projects on the use of remote sensing to study patterns in riparian (streamside) vegetation along ephemeral streams in New Mexico and Arizona. Prior to that, she completed a bachelor's degree in geography at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Manning continues her work on riparian systems here at SUU where she involves students in the research. These systems often provide resources for plant and animal species that depend on the wetter, more protected habitats created by the riparian vegetation. Much of the diversity associated with desert ecosystems is actually tied to riparian habitats. Aspen’s current projects are centered in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and involve a number of students from the geosciences department.
In addition to teaching the Introduction to Environmental Science and Sustainability course, Dr. Manning also teaches courses in biogeography, weather & climate, and geospatial technologies. Her expertise in both environmental science and geospatial (GIS) tools have made her an indispensable member of the department. When asked to describe her favorite things about working at SUU, Dr. Manning replied, “The collegial atmosphere - we all work together and help each other! I also like that I get to spend so much time working with students.” Clearly, she is already embracing the people-focused, student-centered culture that is SUU.
Dr. Jason Kaiser, Chair of the Department of Geosciences, shared, “Dr. Manning is a devoted educator and a great scientist. I am constantly impressed by her hard work and innovation in the classroom. She has been a strong advocate for students who regularly tell me that she is a great role model. She is a thoughtful and supportive colleague who has worked hard to make the department better.”
Even better than the accolades that Dr. Manning gets from her colleagues are the thoughtful comments from her students. When asked to describe the impact that Dr. Manning is making on students, one student wrote, “Dr. Manning is a powerhouse of a teacher! She not only works to help her students achieve academic success, but she forms real connections with us. She is there for her students in every manner. She is an inspiration to everyone, and especially the women in the department.”
When not in the classroom or working with students in the field, Aspen and her husband enjoy mountain biking, hiking, running, and spending time in the gym.
Tags: College of Natural Sciences Career and Professional Development FacStaff Geosciences
