Dr. Alice Mary Weeks, Our Founder and a Pioneering Woman Geologist

Dr. Weeks was a mineralogist homeschooled in her early years. She began her doctorate in 1934 where restrictions against women forced her to listen to lecture from hallways. These pressures, financial instability, and eventually World War II (where she taught map making to officers), delayed completion of her doctorate until 1949, after which she initially worked for the U.S. Geological Survey.

Among many discoveries, she identified the mineral Urophane in 1953 with Dr. Mary E. Thompson; the mineral weeksite is named in her honor.

As one of the first woman geologists, she was listed in the "American Men of Science" in 1955, well before it was changed to "American Men and Women of Science".

Dr. Weeks and her husband, Albert, left a generous donation to establish an endowed chair in the department.

EES Through the Years

1961

Department of Geology was founded in the College of Arts and Sciences by Alice Mary Weeks, PhD, with a box of rocks and three courses.

1962-1967

Alice Weeks recruited four other faculty (the first in 1963) in these years to expand the department, offering twelve courses, and undergraduate and master's programs established.

1962-1966

Beury Hall was constructed and became the home of the Department of Geology.

1964

Graduated the first undergraduate student

1967

Graduated the first master's student .

1998

Environmental Science BS programs were established.

2002

The Geological Society of Temple University (a.k.a. Geo Club), an organization for all students interested in earth and environmental science, was formed.

2008

The department changed its name from Geology to Earth and Environmental Science.

2011

EES celebrated 50 years.

2017

Environmental Professional Training Certificate was established to support development of industry skills.

2019

Graduated the first PhD student.

2021

Concentrations in Environmental Science were established: Applied Ecology, Climate, Environmental Geochemistry, and Hydrology.

2022

“The Accessible Field Camp” was established to offer a modular approach to developing and practicing applied skills.