Cheryl L. B. Manning

About Me

My passion lies in bridging the gap between scientific research and public comprehension, striving to generate educational experiences that enable individuals to make well-informed decisions regarding the environment, natural resources, and natural hazards. I work with Earth science researchers to co-design, implement, and assess the broader impacts of their research. Through collaborations with organizations and agencies, I create educational opportunities for stakeholders and communities. I also evaluate curriculum materials to ensure that they are creative and data-rich, engaging learners in solutions rooted in their local environments.

Since 1995, I have been committed to helping learners of all ages and backgrounds appreciate the fundamental Earth processes that shape our planet and our lives. I am currently finishing my Ph.D. in Earth, Atmosphere and Environment at Northern Illinois University, under the guidance of Dr. Nicole D. LaDue. I research how geoscience community resources support Earth science educators and empower young individuals to drive sustainable change in their communities. Prior to this, I taught secondary science for 25 years, focusing on Earth and Environmental sciences, leading efforts to develop a STEM capstone. I have also worked as a curriculum designer and educational consultant, collaborating with diverse schools, organizations, and agencies to promote Earth systems science education.

As a native Montanan and a first-generation college student, I was fortunate to learn Earth’s history by experiencing first-hand the geology of the Northern Rocky Mountains. Family, teachers, and geologists along the way encouraged my passion for the Earth sciences and I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees at Montana State University. For my M.S., I examined the development of extensional basins in the Basin and Range Province in the western United States.