Cheryl L.B. Manning, Ph.D.

Who I am

As a native Montanan and a first-generation college student, I was fortunate to learn Earth’s history by experiencing first-hand the geology of the Northern Rocky Mountains. Family, teachers, and geologists along the way encouraged my passion for the Earth sciences and I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees in Earth Science-Geology at Montana State University. For my M.S., I examined the development of extensional basins in the Basin and Range Province in the western United States.

Since 1995, I have been committed to helping learners of all ages and backgrounds appreciate the fundamental Earth processes that shape our planet and our lives. In December 2023, I earned my Ph.D. in Earth, Atmosphere and Environment at Northern Illinois University under the guidance of Dr. Nicole D. LaDue. I researched the state of Earth science teaching in Illinois and how Earth science teachers access Earth systems science resources. Prior to this, I taught secondary science for 25 years, focused on Earth and Environmental Sciences, and led efforts to develop a STEM capstone program. I have also worked as a curriculum designer and educational consultant, collaborating with diverse schools, organizations, and agencies to promote Earth systems science education.