Arts & Sciences Spring 2024

the AWG award ceremony last October, showing their support for their mentor. Among them was Christy Visaggi, also being honored by the AWG with the Mavis Kent Mid-Career Excellence Award. Visaggi earned an M.S. at Syracuse in 2004 and is now a principal senior lecturer and undergraduate director in the Department of Geosciences at Georgia State University in Atlanta. After graduating from Syracuse, Visaggi received a Ph.D. in marine biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and has served on the faculty at Georgia State for the past decade. Her research uses the fossil record and modern marine habitats to better understand ecological interactions. She is also deeply committed to enhancing geoscience education, both in K-12 and higher education. Visaggi attributes much of her passion as a researcher and educator to Ivany, who always urged her to push forward through challenges and to seek answers to complex questions. “Professor Ivany always supported me and my goals, and encouraged me to do more and pursue new opportunities, including after I graduated,” says Visaggi. For Visaggi, Syracuse University holds a special significance. Professionally, she gained invaluable experience learning how to prepare her work for publication and write successful grant proposals. Personally, she gained a special

relationship. Her geology officemate at Syracuse, a fellow graduate student at the time, is now her husband. “We have two kids and enjoy sharing our love of the natural world with them. As you can see, all aspects of my journey as a person and professional were greatly influenced by my time at SU and the mentorship of Professor Ivany,” says Visaggi. Christy Visaggi (left in both) and her mentor, EES Professor Linda Ivany. The image on the left is from 2003 in the Heroy Geology Building and the image on the right is from the 2023 Association for Women Geoscientists’ annual meeting.

Read more about Professor Ivany and her mentees.

Fearless Firsts

Be inspired by these trailblazing alumnae in the sciences:

Cornelia M. Clapp , a prominent zoologist and educator who was the first woman to receive a doctoral degree in biology in the United States when she graduated from Syracuse in 1889. Edith Flanigen , an inorganic physical chemist who graduated in 1952 and who was A&S’ first alumna to receive the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, presented by President Barack Obama in 2014. Rubye Torrey , who was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Syracuse University in 1969.

Spring 2024

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