Dr. Sarah Lalk is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Mississippi State University (MSU). She obtained her Ph.D. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in 2016 with a focus on increasing the public understanding of Geosciences as it relates to various community members. She teaches courses in Geography and Geology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels for the Starkville campus in addition to online courses for MSU's distance learning program. Dr. Lalk has been involved in the field of science education for over two decades and her specific interest in the Geosciences developed while teaching middle school science in Texas. Her research interests included building physical models of earth science concepts/hazards; use of interactive mapping to increase understanding of the relationship between earth’s systems and community members; and the use of informal learning environments to increase understanding and interest in Geosciences, specifically outdoor field explorations. Her experience in field education includes leading professional developments at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (gsmit.org) and as an instructor for our online ENGS graduate field classes in Western Washington and the Appalachia region. As part of expanding her research into relationships between communities and the geosciences, Dr. Lalk is a Fellow with the Center for Community-Engaged Learning (CCEL). The Carnegie Foundation recognized Mississippi State University’s CCEL program has aided in expanding both her teaching and research interest into community awareness and interactions of geosciences related processes and potential environmental hazards.