Suzanna Carrithers Soileau

Expertise:

• Science outreach & communication
• Soil & water quality monitoring
• Website development
• Program evaluation and impact assessment
• Distance/Online education delivery

Research & Outreach Interests:

My professional interest is in relaying technical scientific information in a manner that enables non-science audiences to gain sound, science-based knowledge, as well as appreciate and see value in projects that enhance and protect the natural resources of the Northern Rockies. I have worked with NOROCK since 2008 and my primary duties include outreach and communication of Center science activities, website management and development, technical editing, field work related to soil and water resource sciences, and serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Center.

My professional background includes three seasons with the National Park Service as an interpretive ranger, two years as a chemist with the Montana Department of Agriculture, and seven years with Montana State University as a research associate with the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences performing on-the-ground water quality monitoring projects and designing natural resource science education materials for diverse audiences such as educators, tribal entities, and agricultural communities. I also develop and deliver online water quality and soil science graduate courses for teachers and professional practitioners through the MSU Masters of Science in Science Education program.

My research background is diverse. My technical, science-based research experience has involved the study of saline-sodic water management, agricultural pharmaceutical residue in surface water, and stream and spring water quality monitoring. My education-based research projects include educational impact assessments of various audiences such as educators, Extension faculty, agricultural and non-agricultural communities, and tribal communities. From 2007 – 2009, I also served as the program evaluation specialist for the USDA Region 8 Northern Plains & Mountains Water Quality Program.

Publications & Products:

Documentary

Sigler, W.A., D. Keto, & S. Carrithers. 2009. Protecting yOur Groundwater: A Homeowners Guide to Private Well & Septic Systems. MSU DVD008.

Carrithers, S., W.A. Sigler, and L. White. 2006. Prairies and Pipelines: Issues in coal bed methane development. MSU DVD001.

Technical Reports:

Carrithers S., D. Earl, and M. Bostrom. 2009. General Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Volunteer Monitoring Programs in Montana.

Arnold J., C. Bromley, S. O’Ney, D. Schmitz, Carrithers, S., and H. Sessoms. 2009. GRYN Water Quality Monitoring Annual Report: January 2007 – December 2008.

Carrithers, S., H. Sessoms, and T. Crone. 2008. Pharmaceutical screening of surface water, ground water, and streambed sediment in Gallatin Valley, Montana.

Carrithers S., J. Bauder, L. Browning, and A. Sigler. 2006. Montana State University Extension Water programs’ response to multiple needs assessments. USDA-CSREES National Review Committee.

Publications:

Sigler, W. A., S. Carrithers, T. Mowen, and J. Bauder. 2008. Be a responsible well owner. Big Sky Small Acres. Montana State University.

Carrithers, S. and A. Kirkpatrick. 2008. Water conservation: what is the problem? Big Sky Small Acres. Montana State University.

Sigler, W. A. and Carrithers, S. 2007. Proper well maintenance helps ensure a good water supply. Barnyards& Backyards. University of Wyoming.

Carrithers S., A. Bamber, A. Kirkpatrick, & J. Bauder. 2007. Pesticide and fertilizer uses around the home: alternatives to chemical controls. MSU Publication 499

Bauder, J., S. Carrithers, and K. Pearson. 2004. Assessing Extension Program Impacts: Case Study of a Water Quality Program. USDA-CSREES National Best Education Practices (BEPs) for Water Outreach Professionals: Defining BEPs, Refining New Resources and Recommending Future Actions, June 2004. Madison, WI.

Affiliations:

Montana State University - Masters of Science in Science Education (MSSE) program (Affiliate)


Current Courses:

• LRES 580 (fall) Twelve Principles of Soil Science
• LRES 580 (spring) Water Quality in the Classroom
• LRES 580 (summer) Stream Side Science
• LRES 580 (spring) The Dirt on Soil Science