Colin Robins,
Associate Professor of Environmental Science; Keck Science Convener, Environmental Science
Environmental Science
Phone: (909) 607-7170
Academic History
Ph.D., University of Nevada Las Vegas (Geoscience)
M.S., Oregon State University (Soil Science)
B.A., Macalester College (Geology & Spanish)
Academic Focus
Soils, sediments, and landforms are brilliantly puzzling, complex palimpsests that reflect both ancient and present-day environmental conditions.
As a physical geographer, soil scientist, geologist, and environmental scientist, I study the ways in which landscape components record surface, climate, and ecosystem histories at scales ranging from the nanometer to the kilometer.
My main research interests include: (1) the study of desert soils and the pursuit of new, quantitative, isotopic measures of arid soil minerals and geomorphic surface ages, (2) paleoenvironmental reconstruction from paleosols; and (3) applications of soil science and geochemistry to challenges in species conservation and/or land management.
Courses Taught
- EA30L Science & The Environment
- EA55L Physical Geography & Geomorphology
- EA103(L) Soils & Society