Our Gem Symposium Keynote Speakers

Samuel N. Luoma (Chair NAS Committee on the Future of Water Quality in Coeur d’Alene Lake) is a research ecologist with the Institute of the Environment, University of California, Davis. Since 2007, he has been emeritus from the U.S. Geological Survey, he was a research associate on the faculty of The Natural History Museum, London, UK (2007–2013), and he was the first lead scientist for the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, California (2000–2003). Dr. Luoma has published more than 200 peer reviewed papers, mostly on the fate, bioavailability, and effects of metal and metalloid contaminants in aquatic environments, along with a 2008 textbook Metal Contamination in Aquatic Environments: Science and Lateral Management. His studies on the environmental implications of mining began in the late 1970s and continue today, including publications on studies in Southwest England and the Clark Fork River, Montana; consulting in South Africa and British Columbia, Canada; and review committees on Sudbury, Canada, and mountain-top mining in the southeastern United States. He has served on seven Science Advisory Board subcommittees for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as well as several committees of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, most recently the Committee on Progress toward Restoring the Everglades: the Fourth Biennial Review (2010–2012). He received his B.S. and M.Sc. in zoology from Montana State University and his Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Hawaii.

Deborah Glickson is Director of the Water Science and Technology Board and the Board on Earth Sciences and Resources at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Since joining the National Academies staff, she has worked on 17 consensus studies and workshops, including understanding the long-term evolution of the coupled natural–human system on the Gulf Coast for the Gulf Research Program; decadal surveys on Earth and ocean science for the National Science Foundation, as well as next-generation Earth systems sciences; future water priorities and assuring laboratory data quality for the U.S. Geological Survey, and studies on marine hydrokinetic energy, methane hydrates, coal mining and human health, and geoscience education. Prior to joining the National Academies, Dr. Glickson was Associate Director of the Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research, and Technology at Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. She was also a John A. Knauss marine policy fellow of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and worked on coastal and ocean policy and legislation in the U.S. Senate. Dr. Glickson has an M.S. in geology from Vanderbilt University and a Ph.D. in oceanography from the University of Washington. Her doctoral research focused on magmatic and tectonic contributions to mid-ocean ridge evolution and hydrothermal activity at the Endeavour Segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge.

Dr. Andrew R. Fields, CEO of University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene, has over 25 years of higher education leadership experience in academics, administrative services, and student services. He is student-focused, collaborative, and a systems-thinking leader with talent in managing complex organizations through collegiality and respect.  Dr. Fields is focused on strategic planning and innovative program development to support the mission of the university statewide while meeting the needs of a rapidly growing and changing community in northern Idaho. Dr. Fields is a true lifelong learner. He holds several degrees including a doctorate in Educational Administration and Leadership, a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Executive Leadership, a Master of Science in Adventure-Based Management and Outdoor Leadership, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Recreation, an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies, a Certificate and an Associate of Science in Welding, and an Associate of Science in Industrial Technology. In addition, he has completed over 15 professional certifications. Dr. Fields has created, enhanced, and managed innovative programs for several colleges and universities including Stanford University, Shasta College, Central Washington University, California State University East Bay, University of California Davis, and University of the Pacific, Stockton. Dr. Fields has held several positions including dean, director, and faculty. He is an advocate for great instruction, prioritizing students, and creating an exceptional student experience. Dr. Fields directly attributes his career advancement to education and is passionate about bringing higher education opportunities to all communities.