Grace on a geology trip to Mt. St. Helens, July 2023.
Mx. Grace Bombulum, M.S.
Greetings! I’m Grace Bombulum (they/them), a geologist whose journey through the wonders of Earth began in the vibrant landscapes of being born and raised near St. Louis, MO. With a solid foundation rooted in 7 years of combined experience with the Forest Service and Army Corps of Engineers, my passion for understanding Earth’s geological intricacies started at St. Louis Community College, where I had my first geology class. After receiving my A.A. in English Communications, I switched majors from English and started my geology journey at Missouri University of Science and Technology (MS&T) where I completed a B.S. in Geology and Geophysics, with an emphasis in environmental and groundwater studies. Following MS&T, I received my M.S. in Geology at the University of Missouri (MU) and emphasized in hydrogeology and economic geology. My teaching experience includes guiding students at STLCC as a tutor for all intro geology courses, and at MU as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for 4 semesters, focusing on introductory geology lab and a geomorphology lab.
My professional journey commenced as an intern hydrologist with the Mark Twain National Forest during my undergraduate studies at MS&T. Subsequently, I delved into the world of hydrology for 1.5 years in Idaho on the Boise National Forest before immersing myself in the captivating landscapes of Globe, AZ. I am now currently serving as the Minerals and Geology program manager at the Tonto National Forest and when I’m not engrossed in the world of rocks, minerals, and geological formations, I find solace in the company of my spouse, indulging in outdoor pursuits like hiking and paddle boarding. In quieter moments, I fuel my imagination with sci-fi and fantasy novels, complemented by a warm cup of coffee. I’m excited to share my passion for geology and contribute to the enriching academic environment here at San Carlos Apache College, where I’m honored to contribute to the SCAC vision of Nṉee bi’at’e’ihii nłdzilgo ádanłzih translated into English as “Upholding the power of Apache wisdom & knowledge.”