Citation by Jean Bahr
Andrea Dutton is the Helen Jupnik Endowed Research Professor in the Department of Geoscience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Professor Dutton was recognized in 2019 as a MacArthur Fellow, not only for her outstanding research in carbonate geochemistry and sedimentology, but also for her contributions to climate communication, a theme that has been central to her work since her early career as a high school science teacher. Her public engagement activities in the last decade have ranged from testimony to the U.S. Congress, to TEDx presentations, media interviews, interactive presentations at schools and museums, op-eds published in national and international news outlets, and featured interviews on radio and on television series. Her dedication to public engagement goes well above and beyond her “day job” as a researcher, teacher and mentor in a university setting, making her highly deserving of recognition as a recipient of the GSA Public Service Award.
Response by Andrea Dutton
I am deeply honored to receive this award in recognition of my contributions to climate science communication, particularly at a time when science and scientists are under an attack that is unprecedented in the history of our country. The importance of communicating the value of science and scientific institutions to public audiences has never been more important. My research in sea level change during past warm periods opened my eyes to the enormity of the challenge that the climate crisis poses to human life on Earth. Though I was daunted to enter the public spotlight, I could not ignore the existential threat of human-caused global warming. My greatest ambition is to encourage others to raise their voices to share the joys, the wonder, and the very real value of science with our society. This is the moment for all of us to step into the public spotlight together.