Abstract:

The 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens in Washington was the worst US volcanic disaster in recorded history.

Geologist Sheila Alfsen will bring the event back to life, detailing its onset and eruption sequence. She will illustrate its volcanic hazards with examples from other volcanoes and comparing their relative sizes.

Sheila will discuss the advances in volcanology made as result of this eruption, and how they are used around the world to gain prediction and offer disaster mitigation.

Presenter biography:

Sheila Alfsen, MAT, GIT (Oregon State Board Geologic Examiners)

Background

• Paleontology- University of Oregon, Volcanology, Oceanography
• Master of Arts in Teaching, Western Oregon University
• Bachelors of Arts from Western Oregon University, Geology and Spanish
• Oregon resident since 1970- extensively traveled in US, particularly the Western states, Alaska, Arctic region, Iceland, Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico
• 35 years in Education: experience in interpretation for National Park Service

Current

• Instructor of Geology -  Portland State University, Chemeketa Community College, Linn Benton Community College
• Researcher
• FEMA Earthquake Publication Reviewer 
• Curriculum and Course Development -  Portland State University
• President of Geologic Society of the Oregon Country (Portland)
• Professional Consultant – Environmental Impact Statements in Paleontology for Paleontology Associates, GeoEngineers, Tetra Tech, and Natural Resource Group
• Helicopter tours of Mt. St. Helens

Professional Memberships

• Geologic Society of America
• National Association of Geoscience Teachers Lecturer
• Geologic Society of the Oregon Country - Current President and Outreach Officer
• Association for Women Geoscientists Distinguished Lecturer