Keith Brugger named Fellow of the Geological Society of America

Sue Dieter

Keith Brugger, geology professor at the University of Minnesota Morris has been named a Fellow of the Geological Society of America (GSA), a global professional organization with more than 26,000 members in 115 countries.

GSA Fellowship recognizes an individual’s contributions to geosciences through research, teaching, public outreach and leadership in the field. Brugger’s nomination and selection is especially impressive this year after the GSA made nomination requirements more stringent in order to further elevate the status of GSA Fellowship.

A man in a green hat, blue t-shirt and blue shorts standing outdoors near a rock with a mountain in the background.

Brugger was nominated by four colleagues: Dr. Eric Leonard, Colorado College; Dr. Jeff Munroe, Middlebury College; Jordan Dahle ‘19, North Dakota State University PhD student and UMN Morris alumnus; and Benjamin J.C. Laabs, North Dakota State University.

Laabs is quoted in the announcement of the latest fellows:  “Keith A. Brugger has devoted his career as a geoscientist to bridging knowledge between the study of modern glaciers and the geologic record of past glaciation and attendant climate change. He has significantly advanced scientific understanding in these two areas while creating outstanding opportunities for undergraduates to engage in research.”  

Brugger earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Lehigh University and earned his PhD from the University of Minnesota.  He received the University of Minnesota Morris Faculty Distinguished Research Award in 2019