Meet the FLC Geosciences Department

The Geosciences Department faculty at Fort Lewis College are more than educators—they are researchers, mentors, and leaders in their fields. With diverse expertise in areas like hydrology, volcanology, and GIS technology, our professors bring real-world experience into the classroom to inspire the next generation of geoscientists.

Our small class sizes and a 1:16 faculty-to-student ratio foster close, supportive relationships. Professors work directly with students on senior research projects, field trips, and independent studies.

Faculty engage in cutting-edge research on topics like groundwater systems, environmental sustainability, and geologic hazards. Students are frequently involved in these projects, gaining practical experience and opportunities to co-present at conferences. With strong ties to industries and agencies, our faculty help connect students to internships, jobs, and graduate programs nationwide.

Faculty

Melissa Clutter, Ph.D.

Melissa Clutter, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Geosciences

970-247-6170
mjclutter@fortlewis.edu

FLC Alumni

Expertise:

  • Hydrology/Hydrogeology
  • Groundwater and subsurface modeling
  • Field measurement design
  • Science communication
  • Data worth analysis

Education

  • Ph.D., Hydrology, University of Arizona, 2019
  • Graduate Certificate, College Teaching, University of Arizona, 2019
  • Graduate Certificate, Connecting Environmental Science and Decision-Making ,University of Arizona, 2019
  • M.S., Soil Water and Environmental Science University of Arizona, 2016
  • B.S., Environmental Geology, Fort Lewis College, 2011

About Melissa Clutter, Ph.D.

Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as member of Cherokee Nation, Melissa moved to Durango for college. During her time as an undergrad, she fell in love with Fort Lewis College and the Four Corners region. After several years working at Chesapeake Energy, she attended graduate school with the very specific goal of “becoming a Fort Lewis College professor”. Now that Melissa has her dream job (!), she uses it as an avenue to pursue her passions of undergraduate teaching and communicating science to the public. Melissa specializes in groundwater research but likes to dip her toes in many disciplines of hydrologic research. The research she is most passionate about aims to help non-profits, government agencies, and private landowners make science-informed management decisions.   

Co-Director, Village Aid Project at FLC.

Textbooks

Clutter, M., Ferré, T.P., & Fandel, C., (2022). The Basics of Groundwater. Nova Science Publishing. Book.

Journal Articles 


Awards and highlights:

  • 2014-2019 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship 
  • 2016-2019 Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Graduate Fellowship (Ph.D.) 
  • 2018 National Science Foundation: Graduate Research Opportunities Worldwide 
  • 2018 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship for Overseas Researcher 
  • 2015-2016 Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Graduate Fellowship (M.Sc.) 
     

Staff

Emeritus & retired faculty