Dr. Rene Shroat-Lewis, assistant professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, has been awarded the 2020 Faculty Excellence Award for Public Service in the Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology.  

Shroat-Lewis is well known for her tremendous efforts in serving the public good. She has compiled an impressive record of service, including women in the geosciences, K-12 teachers and students, and the university community. 

Shroat-Lewis currently serves on eight UA Little Rock committees, including the Faculty Senate, and is a member of the Donaghey Scholars program teaching faculty. Nationally, Shroat-Lewis serves on the Association of Women Geoscientists Chrysalis Scholarship committee.

“UA Little Rock is a better place because of Dr. Shroat-Lewis’ actions and accomplishments,” said Dr. Margaret McMillan, chair of the Department of Earth Sciences.

McMillan noted that in the eight years Shroat-Lewis has been a member of the faculty, she has dedicated her expertise as a geoscience educator and researcher in service to the community, state, and nation in the areas of science advocacy and outreach and in providing opportunities for geoscience students. 

“This is extremely important, as a better understanding of science by all is needed to help us confront the societal challenges of natural hazards such as flooding and earthquakes, energy resources such as the use of fossil fuels versus renewables, and the impacts of a changing climate,” said McMillan.

Shroat-Lewis has given public presentations on the paleontology of Arkansas, coral reefs, Darwin and the Galapagos Islands, and the geology and ecology of the Bahamas. She has also served as a fossil expert at the Museum of Discovery. She provides science content and merit badges for the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of America as well as serves as a judge for numerous science fairs and the Arkansas Science Olympiad.

Shroat-Lewis received a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and M.S. and B.S. degrees from the University of North Carolina, Willmington.