Alan Lester

Dr. Alan Lester is a lecturer at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he brings a diverse background as both a renowned rock climber and an accomplished geologist. His journey in geology began during his undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder. Dr. Lester's research focuses on the origin and evolution of the Rocky Mountains, utilizing various technologies such as paleomagnetism, stable isotopes, trace elements, and radiometric dating. Since the mid-1990s, he has held multiple roles at CU Boulder, including Senior Instructor and Research Associate, earning several awards for excellence in undergraduate education. In recent years, he has concentrated on geoscience education and sharing the history of science with students. Additionally, Dr. Lester has worked as a part-time commercial airline pilot for over a decade, providing him with a unique aerial perspective that enriches his teaching and storytelling in the classroom.