Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology
Assistant Professor of Earth Sciences
Dr. Michael DeAngelis is an assistant professor of earth sciences who has used his expertise of geology to teach earth science courses and to serve the community through science advocacy and outreach.
DeAnglelis is an active member of the Central Arkansas Gem, Mineral, and Geology Society, whose mission is to promote interest in mineralogy and related sciences, encourage field trips and the enjoyment of collecting and preserving minerals, and support the study of geological formations, especially those in Arkansas. DeAngelis serves as the webmaster, newsletter, editor, and is on the scholarship committee of this society. His interactions have resulted in a scholarship fund for UA Little Rock undergraduate geology majors. On the UA Little Rock campus he founded and coordinates the Department of Earth Sciences Earthtalk!, a free, monthly lecture series that explores what has happened and what is happening to the planet. Speakers cover a diverse range of topics, from water quality to the reasons behind earthquakes.
DeAngelis also serves students and teachers in local schools by giving presentations, judging science fairs, volunteering with Science Olympiad events, and mentoring high school students on their own research projects. He has also advocated for the increase of earth science education within Arkansas high schools. In fall 2016, DeAngelis, along with his colleague, Dr. René Shroat-Lews, submitted a proposal to the National Science Foundation for the creation of a two-week geology summer academy for high school students, which would immerse high school students in classroom, laboratory, and field geology activities. His work with K-12 students and teachers resulted in the recruitment of three students from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Science, and the Arts to UA Little Rock. He also incorporated service-learning into his mineralogy course and students have volunteered at the CAGMAGS annual Mineral, Fossil, Gem, and Jewelry Show, the Friends of Fourche Creek clean-up events, and the annual Arkansas Science Olympiad event.
DeAngelis received his Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Tennessee, a M.S. in Geology from the University of Tennessee, and a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Wisconsin.