Alanna Lecher Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Natural and Applied Sciences

Alanna Lecher

Professional profile

Alanna Lecher studied Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California Santa Cruz, where she received her Ph.D. Her area of focus is biogeochemisty, which focuses on how humans, biology, and geology alter the chemical cycles of the earth. She has conducted studies all over the world including the Arctic Ocean, California coast, Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Aqaba in Israel, and at Lynn University in and around Florida.

Before attending graduate school, Dr. Lecher received her Bachelors of Science in environmental science and policy from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, a time when she developed her research interests. At Lynn University she teaches in the Dialogues of Scientific Literacy and the environmental studies major. She welcomes any students interested in environmental studies to visit her office to learn about the program and any research opportunities available.

Education

  • Ph.D. Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz
  • B.S. Environmental Science and Policy, University of South Florida St. Petersburg

Teaching philosophy

Dr. Lecher’s teaching method is rooted in the idea of developing well-rounded students who not only have a broad understanding of their chosen field of study and the scientific method, but can also think critically and creatively about information and can qualitatively and quantitatively describe results and processes to those in their field and the general public. With not only knowledge of a topic, but also the skills to critique and communicate information about that topic to others, students will have a foundation that assists them in whatever they pursue after graduation, whether that be industry, government, non-profit, or teaching careers or graduate school.

Areas of scholarship

  • Biochemistry
  • Hydrology
  • Oceanography
  • Science communication

Awards and honors

  • CIEE International Faculty Development Grant
    Award , Cape Town, South Africa, 2017
  • University of California Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship for Diversity, 2010-201
  • Aaron C. Waters Award for Outstanding Qualifying Proposal, 2013
  • Charles A. Lawson and Jennifer Denney Lawson Student Award in Hydrology, 2011
  • University of South Florida St. Petersburg Outstanding Graduate, 2010