Wayne A. Dollase

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As a mineralogist, Wayne Dollase, a professor in the department of earth and space sciences, seeks to understand the nature of those materials that make up the planets, which, to a large degree, dictates how they work. His scientific accomplishments are widely admired, a fact underscored by the naming of the mineral dollaseite after him.

For the past 23 years, Dollase has received extraordinarily high ratings, reflecting his high degree of knowledge, organization and clarity of what is often difficult material. His enthusiasm, caring and concern are also duly noted.

A key contributor to undergraduate curriculum, Dollase teaches two introductory courses that are fundamental to a geologist’s training. Although complex, rigorous subjects, he manages to keep students onboard by continually making himself available both in and outside of class. His rapport and early interaction with undergraduate majors, along with his compassion and high expectations for their performance, make him an ideal departmental advisor, a position he has held for the past 12 years.

Graduate students also are tremendously impressed with his teaching ability, and he has influenced some of the brightest young geoscientists in the country. He recently created a new course, “Reflected Light Microscope,” which introduces this important research tool to those students intent on a career in the base industry.