Dr. Renee Clary is a Professor of Geology, Director of the Dunn-Seiler Museum, and Co-PI of the leader STATE STEM program at Mississippi State University. Her principal area of research is geoscience education, and the optimization of informal, online, and traditional learning environments. Dr. Clary seeks to improve scientific understanding to develop a geoliterate public that can make informed decisions for the planet’s sustainability. Her research includes optimizing climate literacy and geoheritage. A newly elected 2026-2030 International Union of Geological Sciences Councillor, Clary has also been recognized with four fellowships (American Association for the Advancement of Science, Geological Society of America, Geological Society of London, Mississippi Academy of Sciences), the National Association of Geoscience Teachers Transformation Award, an SEC Faculty Achievement Award, and the Mississippi Academy of Sciences Outstanding Contributions to Science Award.

Dr. Clary’s primary contribution to the project will be within Climate Education in traditional and informal learning environments. She will translate the scientific results from this project into educational STEM program activities for middle level and high school K-12 audiences within Mississippi and beyond, including the JROTC students served by the leader STATE STEM program at Mississippi State University.