Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Jim Brophy

After 2 ½ years of retirement I can honestly say that it is something everyone should try some day! In short, I am loving it, but getting here was not easy. I retired from the department on January 1, 2020. My wife Lyn and I planned to return to our New England roots and build a reproduction early 1800s Greek Revival house in the town of West Bath, Maine, which is located about 50 miles up the coast from the city of Portland. Ground was broken in October of 2019 and construction started on schedule.

Enrique Merino

In retirement I continue research into the geochemical dynamics of the earth’s only two huge cases of metasomatism – dolomitization of limestones and serpentinization of peridotites. I’ve discovered that serpentinization of peridotites is how the mantle sends magnesium to the crust, making it possible for dolomitization, which needs magnesium, eventually to happen.

Lisa M. Pratt and Bruce Douglas

Transition to retirement is going well for both of us. We spend most of the winter months in the Florida Panhandle enjoying kayak adventures in the coastal marshes and long walks on white sand beaches (see photo on the boardwalk to Crooked Beach, Tyndall Air Force Base).

Lee Suttner

My greetings and best wishes to alumni and friends. Having just turned a youthful 83, I am delighted and grateful to write from my office on campus that I continue to remain in excellent health. And thankfully my family and I all escaped any significant physical anguish of the pandemic. All is well.

Gary Pavlis

Image shows Gary on the right and his twin brother Terry on the left.

Gary Pavlis has continued his research in seismology during retirement. Between times spent traveling and visiting his grandchildren he has been involved in two projects.

Bob Wintsch

I’ve been retired from IU for 4 years now and moved to Connecticut. Here we live on the Connecticut River, near the beautiful Haddam Meadows State Park. The river is tidal (>1 m!) and at low tide a sand bar emerges that is about 2 acres. It is a wonderful place to wade, swim, and wonder, and Demetrius (border collie) loves it as well.

Terry Stigall

On August 17 of this year I will have worked in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences for 41 years. I can’t believe it has been that long. It’s has been an amazing place to work and I hope to be continuing to serve the department for several years to come and maybe at a reduced capacity.