UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA WESTERN
Spruce W. Schoenemann, PhD
I am a scientist, environmentalist, and climate specialist whose primary mission is tackling the climate crisis and building resilience. My research investigates changes in Earth’s past to improve our understanding of the long-term context of human-driven changes and current/future impacts on our climate system.
I have over 20 years of expertise in geology, environmental studies, and climate science, with a strong personal interest in boldly addressing the challenges of climate change through education & community engagement, natural climate solutions, sustainable resource management, renewable energy, and decarbonization.
I’m passionate about protecting our winters and wild places, and securing a livable climate for future generations.
Affiliate Scientist- Earth and Space Research, Seattle, Wa
Member of the Academics for Climate Advocacy Working Group-Second Nature
NEWS & EVENTS
Recent Publication
Glacial History of the Pioneer Mountains, MT
Quaternary Science Research
Oct 2023
NBC Montana
UM Western professor part of polar research team that develops virtual field experiences.
Dec 19, 2023
MY CURRENT RESEARCH
Ongoing investigations using tree-ring based SWE records, along with lake sediment core records of calcite, and water isotopes of snowpack and precipitation, correlated with historical climate records to reconstruct past climate from high-alpine, snow dominated lakes.
Current & Previous Projects​
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Co-PI, Polar Places and Spaces (PolarPASS), 2020-24, NSF Grant
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Lead PI, Pioneer Mountains LGM Glacier Reconstruction, 2020-2023, NSF Grant
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Lead PI, Foy Lake Sediment and Tree-ring based SWE Reconstruction 2018-20
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Greenland Subglacial Geochemistry, 2012
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Mt. Waddington Ice Core Project, 2010
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WAIS Divide Ice Core Project, 2008-2015