Department of Geosciences

Baylor Geoscience graduate student Venanzio Munyaka is highlighted by the American Geophysical Union on their Research Spotlight for his article“Insights on the Paleoclimate and Paleoecology of an Early Miocene Hominoid Site: A Multiproxy Study From Koru, Western Kenya” published in the Journal of Paleoocenography and Paleoclimatology. Venanzio is the lead author as a PhD student working with Dr. Dan Peppe. Fellow graduate student Amanda Tegart is a co-author on the paper and also working with Dr. Peppe. Another co-author, Dr. William Lukens, is a Baylor Geosciences Alum. Baylor Geosciences making a difference. 

In 1860, on the eve of the Civil War, approximately 46,200 plantations were using enslaved labor across the United States. At least 45% of plantations had twenty enslaved workers, and 5% had at least 100 (Vlach, 1993). With such widespread activity, what was the impact on Earth’s systems, and how do we measure it? These questions are at the center of my graduate research at Baylor University.

Baylor researchers have expertise in a wide variety of areas. Students at three area public schools got to learn that firsthand last week, when BU faculty and students visited with elementary, middle and high school-aged scientists to highlight National STEM Day through hands-on learning activities.

In recent years, Baylor has brought some of its outstanding faculty and their students to local schools for National STEM Day to make science come alive and encourage kids to think about college and careers in the STEM fields. It’s a mission that aligns with the day itself, which celebrates discovery and innovation that sparks interest in future science careers.

Baylor University on Monday formally transferred ownership of thousands of Columbian mammoth fossils and excavation photographs discovered near Waco more than 40 years ago to the National Park Service, a move that may streamline access for researchers.

Baylor President Linda Livingstone and National Park Service Acting Superintendent Christine Jacobs signed the agreement next to the bronze mammoth sculptures in front of the Mayborn Museum, 1300 S. University Parks Drive.