Councilor – Jennifer Wenner

Jennifer Wenner is a Professor of Geology at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with expertise in igneous petrology/geochemistry and geoscience education.  She has been a councilor since 2013.

“Undergraduate research is one of the most important and rewarding parts of my job.  I have mentored more than 2 dozen students in the 15 years I have been at Oshkosh.  There is nothing more satisfying than watching a student blossom during the pursuit of a research project. I love to watch the evolution of an idea, through the development of a project and into fruition of presenting results and conclusions. I gain so much from the work I do with undergraduate students, not just the science but they keep me young and excited about the work I do.  My experience as an undergraduate researcher has informed my work with undergraduates, but the way I deal with research has evolved – I try very hard to help students learn what it means to be a researcher in the geosciences and meet them where they are at the moment. Many of them develop into autonomous researchers – procuring funding and learning analytical skills. I can’t imagine my job without the amazing time I spend mentoring students.”