Jeff Goodrich
NeMO-ROPOS Teacher At Sea

Why I Wanted To Become A Teacher:
I grew up on science and education. My father taught high school earth science for 32 years so we spent our summers camping throughout the Pacific Northwest looking for rocks or fossils, taking pictures, and becoming familiar with the geography and geology of the region. I couldn't help but get excited about our geologically diverse and exciting landscape: From huge volcanoes to beautiful rivers, to a gorgeous coastline, to the dry open expanses of the eastern portions of the Northwest. I felt I had to share this love of the geology of the Pacific Northwest, the outdoors, and photography. Teaching seemed like the best way to do it. If I couldn't bring most of my students to the great places I'd been, then I'd bring it to them with all my slides and experience. I hope to build in my students, an interest in the processes that shaped the Pacific Northwest.

How I Got Involved With NeMO:
Last winter I was helping teach an Earthquake/Tsunami class for teachers. One of the instructors, Teresa Atwill, happened to be the husband of Bill Chadwick, a geologist for NeMO. I already knew about NeMO and followed it over the last two years. Bill happened to be at the Earthquake class and during dinner I asked if he knew who was going to be the "teacher at sea" for NeMO 2000. He told me that no one had been chosen yet and I should apply. I got a call from him a few days later reminding me to apply. I submitted a writing sample and got the OK a few weeks later. I was elated; a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Best Experiences:
-Travel (Living in England for 2 years and return trips to different parts of Europe)
-Outdoor Activities (Backpacking, Climbing, Cycling, Skiing)
-Photography (Shooting the outdoors & people. Have a B&W darkroom)
-Geological excursions with my family as a kid
-Meeting my wife, Jennifer who shares my goals, interests and dreams
-Teaching science and photography at Lake Oswego High School