Dr. David Franzi - Distinguished Teaching Professor of Earth and Environmental Science

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October 26, 2005

On a typical North Country sunny summer afternoon, Dr. David Franzi, who was recently promoted to the rank of Distinguished Teaching Professor of Earth and Environmental Science, is probably not in his office on campus at SUNY Plattsburgh. No, he's most likely at the W.H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute near Chazy, N.Y.

There, he and SUNY Plattsburgh students join other students from all across the country for a summer research experience, which has been funded through a National Science Foundation grant since 2000. The project is designed to promote professional development of undergraduate students through their participation in ongoing ecosystem research at the Altona Flat Rock jack pine barrens and surrounding areas.

According to President John Ettling, Dr. Franzi is a gifted and talented teacher-scholar who seeks to engage students in every course he teaches.

"Dr. Franzi did not only meet, but exceeded the criteria for promotion to the rank of distinguished teaching professor," said Ettling. "I strongly and enthusiastically support this promotion."

Dr. Franzi received his undergraduate degree from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1977 and his graduate degree from Miami University in 1980. He received his doctorate from Syracuse University in 1984. He taught for two years, in 1983-84 and 1984-85, at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa.

He joined the teaching faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh in 1985 and was promoted to the rank of professor in 1995. Since his initial appointment at SUNY Plattsburgh, he has developed and taught 10 courses in geology.

Dr. Franzi supports high quality research opportunities for students that have been nationally peer-reviewed through the National Science Foundation (NSF) review process. He is a member of the Geological Society of America, the Geological Association of Canada, the American Geophysical Union and the National Association of Geoscience Teachers.

His scholarly productivity has also been robust. He has authored and co-authored 19 professional papers, 14 consulting reports and 39 published abstracts. He also received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1997.

Dr. Franzi said that it is a privilege to be promoted to the position of distinguished teaching professor.

"I am honored to have received this appointment," he said.  "I consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to work closely with so many excellent students, dedicated faculty and good friends for so many years."

The rank of distinguished teaching professor is awarded by the SUNY Board of Trustees. The award recognizes those who have achieved national and international prominence and a distinguished reputation in a chosen field.

The distinguished professorship honors outstanding teaching at the graduate, undergraduate and professional level.