Ryan J Hollister
Earth Science Instructor, Stanislaus State and Modesto JC. 

Formerly:
Turlock Unified Science Instructional Coach
Turlock High Geoscience & AP Environmental Science

  • Personal E-mail (non-school):
     ryhollister at sbcglobal.net    ​
I am an Earth Science & Geology educator at Stanislaus State and Modesto JC. I previously taught at Turlock High School in Turlock, California for 15 years and began my career with one year at Great Valley School in Weston Ranch, CA. With a blend of enthusiasm, expertise and place-based learning I strive to get my students interested in the physical processes that have shaped the region they call home: California’s Great Central Valley. My ultimate goal is to help shape a citizenry that will be able to solve the air and water quality problems that plague the San Joaquin Valley.
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I have a master’s in geoscience from Mississippi State. In 2015 I received the Far West Region’s Outstanding Earth Science Teacher award from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers in recognition of my dedication and contributions to the geosciences as a teacher.
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I currently serve on the NAGT (National Association of Geoscience Teachers) Executive Committee and serve as co-chair of the K-12 Ad Hoc Committee

In 2016 I was lucky enough to be part of the inaugural Science Friday Educator Collaborative. That collaboration allowed me to develop a first of its kind Immersive Virtual Field Experience: a geology trip that helps students solve the origins of the Columns of the Giants by transporting them to the field!

My wife Laura (a geoscience teacher at Turlock’s cross-town rival, Pitman High) and I, have proudly played a role in sending more than 160 students on week-long WildLink Club backpacking expeditions through the rugged backcountry of Yosemite National Park. The goal of those journeys is to help our students develop a better understanding and appreciation for wilderness.  Citizens that use wilderness are much more likely to ensure that wilderness endures. You can take a gander at inspiring photo journals from these trips here.

Hiking & Photography (See Hikes Page)
When I am not actively teaching in a classroom,  tinkering with projects or being a dad, I can usually be found out on the trail with my wife and son digitally capturing the many scenic areas that are in close proximity to our house. 
Picture
"Fieldwork Among the Pixels" We were part of the cover story in June 2018 Earth Magazine!!
Education
  • MS, Geoscience - Mississippi State University, 2010 [4.0 GPA]
  • Geoscience Credential - California State University, Stanislaus, 2003
  • BA, Liberal Studies - California Polytechnic State University, 2001

Turlock USD Affiliations 2005-2021
  • WildLink Club Advisor -  (WildLink Web Page)
  • TUSD Tech Committee Member
  • TUSD Science Pathways Committee Member
  • TUSD Science Building Team (Yes on N & O)
  • WestED Making Sense of Science Lead Teacher

Professional Affiliations
​Advisory Boards Awards & Honors
  • 2019 Invited Pardee Speaker at Geological Society of America Annual Meeting (slides).
  • 2016 Science Friday Educator Collaborator
  • 2015 National Association of Geoscience Teachers "Outstanding Earth Science Teacher" - Far West Region
  • 2013/14 Turlock High Nominee for CLHS Educator of the Year. 
  • 2013 NASA Triad JPL Academy Participant (Photos)
  • 2012 NASA Triad Teacher Leadership Participant (Photos)
  • 2010/11 Turlock High Teacher of the Year (Turlock Rotary Club)
  • Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society 
​Geologic Field Guides & Published Contributions
2019:2016:2012:2010: 

  • Faults, Fossils, Fronts, Fire & Ice: 7 -Day Geoscience Field Guide to Central California and Nevada.
  • DOWNLOAD HERE (10mb PDF file)

Appearances In The News
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