Scott Burns is a Professor Emeritus of Geology and Past-Chair of the Dept. of Geology at Portland State University where he has taught for more than 30 years. He was also Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at PSU from 1997-1999. Scott has been teaching for over 50 years, with past positions in Switzerland, New Zealand, Washington, Colorado, and Louisiana. Dr. Burns specializes in environmental and engineering geology, geomorphology, soils, and Quaternary geology. Scott has won many awards for outstanding teaching, the most significant being the Faculty Senate Chair Award at Louisiana Tech University in 1987, the Distinguished Faculty Award from the Portland State Alumni Association in 2001, and the George Hoffmann Award from PSU in 2007. Based on his national leadership performance, Scott was chosen to be a fellow of the Geological Society of America (2004) and a fellow with the Kellogg National Fellowship Program (1990-1993). He was president of the Downtown Rotary Club of Portland, Oregon’s oldest and largest Rotary club, in 2009. Scott is a 6th generation Oregonian who grew up in Beaverton and is very happy to be "home" after a 25-year hiatus! He actively helps local TV, radio stations, and newspapers bring important geological news to the public. Scott enjoys all sports, especially basketball, running, skiing, hiking, swimming, tennis, and golf.

Language spoken: English