Pam Sullivan Oral History Interview

Pamela Sullivan begins the interview with a discussion of her time growing up in Florida and New York, and her early interests in nature, natural systems, and all things outdoors. This upbringing gave Sullivan a perfect opportunity to experience multiple types of environments and to develop an interest in science. Sullivan notes that she was close with her family, notably her grandfather and aunt, who were both connected to her love of geology. In addition to her passion for nature, Sullivan pursued sports like soccer and swimming as well as the visual arts.

Sullivan recalls that she spent her early years as an academic at the University of British Columbia where she received a degree in Natural Resource Conservation. She then went on to earn a PhD from Florida International University in Geosciences. Her work at OSU has focused on critical zone science, water testing and data, endocrinology, running a research lab, and volunteering. The interview concludes with a discussion of Sullivans life as an educator, mentor, professor, and much more. In this, she recalls that her early love of nature continues to be mirrored in her work and her day-to-day life as well.