Laurence

For nearly 20 years, I directed a Division (Division of Geology) within Vermont State Government with a scientific focus. As the Director of the Vermont Geological Survey and Vermont State Geologist, I conducted many sessions of outreach and education in particular running field trips for elementary and high school students.Speaking to groups and legislative committees to explain the science and how it applies to environmental issues is an aspect of the outreach.
I am very interested in science education having served for 15 years as the chair of the Association of American State Geologists Education Committee. I also attended the kick off meeting for the STEM initiative in Vermont. I would very much like to work with students again. Working with students of any age would be very gratifying. I would be an asset to any student that needs tutoring in science

Availability: I am available for on-line tutoring any time of day and can travel up to an hour form my home base

Willing to travel: 30 miles

Experience: LAURENCE R. BECKER
Middlesex, VT 05602
(802) 229-0296, (802) 224-6271, becklrb@comcast
Profile: Dedicated geologist and scientist with extensive experience providing efficient,
professional services with strong applied research content to the public, consultants, industry,
academics, state, local and regional government, and legislators.
Summary of Qualifications:
• Served in the dual role of geological authority for the State of Vermont and as Director of
the Vermont Geological Survey
• For the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources served as a science advisor for
strengthening the role of science when addressing environmental issues related to water,
human and ecological health, hazards, forestry, fish, wildlife and endangered species
• Proven communicator with the ability to explain scientific concepts to a wide variety of
public, technical and student audiences and the importance of science to public policy
Work Experience:
SCIENCE ADVISOR
VT Agency of Natural Resources, Montpelier, VT Jan. - June 2015
Facilitated the development of a report “Strengthening Science at the VT Agency of Natural
Resources”. Led working groups to build the scientific means to address Natural Resource and
Environmental policy questions.
VT STATE GEOLOGIST AND DIRECTOR
VT Geological Survey, Montpelier, VT 1995-2014
Directed the activities of the Vermont Geological Survey conducting geologic, mapping,
hydrogeology, hazard, and geoscience studies - source for geologic information in Vermont.
TECHNICAL SERVICES CHIEF
VT Geological Survey, Montpelier, VT 1993-1995
Led the technical aspects of Survey activities. Focused on surface geomorphology,
groundwater, bedrock geology, and nuclear waste disposal.
RADIOACTIVE WASTE TECHNICAL ANALYST
VT Agency of Natural Resources, Montpelier, VT 1986-1989
Reviewed the Department of Energy’s proposals for high-level radioactive waste disposal
in Vermont. Developed data for a Texas/ Vermont low-level radioactive waste compact.
HYDROELECTRIC REVIEW SPECIALIST
VT Department of Environmental Conservation, Montpelier, VT 1989-1993
LAURENCE R. BECKER
Middlesex, VT 05602
(802) 229-0296, (802) 224-6271, becklrb@comcast
Reviewed hydroelectric projects for compliance with Section 401 Water Quality Permits.
Accomplishments:
Science and Public Policy:
Delivered Draft Final strengthening science report to ANR, June 30, 2015. Interviewed
scientists from all Natural Resource and Environmental disciplines to develop report.
Groundwater:
As State Geologist numerous groundwater maps for towns were developed. A bill passed
the Vermont legislature that mandated a campaign through well drillers and real estate
agents to educate citizens as to the importance of water well testing for naturally occurring
drinking water health hazards. Data developed/integrated though a $330,000 State
appropriation for “Groundwater Mapping”: geologic and water well data through
statistical analyses, groundwater use data, and a well interference study.
Surface Water :
Facilitated a group of VT Dept of Environmental Conservation scientists and engineers to
develop a new approach to stormwater management in Vermont. As a result, studies of
the influence of increasing impervious area on watersheds/stream geomorphology and
the development of a new stormwater manual were managed and completed.
Nuclear Waste:
In the mid- 1980’s, made first contact with Texas to establish a low-level radioactive waste
compact and testified before a Texas energy sub-committee in Austin. I was present in the
U.S House advising Congressman Bernard Sanders during Compact debate and passage
in 1993. In the 2010, reviewed Entergy Vermont Yankee’s tritium leak hydrogeology
studies and wrote a post-Fukushima letter of concern associated with Seismic issues.
Educator and Publications:
Taught Geology at Windham College, 1979 and Water Resources at Johnson State College, 1992.
Over 40 abstracts, presentations, and publications (CV upon request)
Education:
M.S. Geology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT - Thesis, “A Survey of a Sandy Beach and Bay,
Appletree Bay, Lake Champlain, Vermont”
B.A. Geology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY