Allie Gale, Ph.D.

Professor Allie Gale is an Earth scientist whose PhD research involved using the geochemistry of mid-ocean ridge basalts (rocks) to make inferences regarding the composition and temperature of Earth's mantle. Prior to Minerva, she taught geoscience courses as an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. She earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Harvard University.

While at Minerva, she has become particularly passionate about making connections across traditional disciplines. A particular interest is exploring the interface between ecology and geology. She also works with colleagues to strategize ways to tackle the climate crisis through sustainability-focused initiatives at Minerva and beyond.

As a teacher, Prof. Gale encourages students to “think” rather than simply memorize. She frequently uses different modes of teaching in her classes, including hands-on exercises with rocks and minerals, case studies, and humor. She is truly excited to participate in a new vision for higher education at Minerva and to work with such diverse and motivated students. Prof. Gale is involved with many different courses: the first-year Empirical Analyses Cornerstone, Natural Science courses including Keeping Earth Habitable, Implications of Earth’s Cycles, Integrating Earth’s Systems, and Chemical Structure and Reactivity, and she has been active in launching Minerva’s Interdisciplinary Minor in Sustainability.