Tess Russo, assistant professor of geosciences in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS), has been named the Rudy L. Slingerland Early Career Professor of Geosciences for her early career achievements in teaching, research and service.
The professorship was created through a gift from Roland P. and Debra C. Sauermann and named in honor of Rudy L. Slingerland, professor emeritus of geology in the Department of Geosciences.
“I was thrilled when I heard that the department wanted to help to fund my research,” said Russo.
Russo researches hydrologic system responses to environmental change and human use, as well as water quality and contamination issues on five continents. She also examines the availability and movement of groundwater. Her research has implications on policy and management practices.
“The position will help support the professional development of my graduate students and fund our research projects,” said Russo. “It will be especially useful for my projects in other countries, where a little bit of money goes a long way.”
Before joining the Penn State faculty, Russo was a postdoctoral fellow at Columbia University. She also served as a graduate student researcher at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Russo earned her bachelor of science in mechanical engineering at Tufts University before receiving her doctorate in earth and planetary sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has received several fellowships and awards, and has authored several peer-reviewed publications.