Geoffrey Cook

Professor Geoffrey Cook grew up hiking, climbing, and mountaineering, which gave rise to his interest in geological sciences. After seeing the role that his undergraduate professors had, Cook decided to try teaching throughout graduate school, where he discovered he had a talent for explaining challenging topics in a way that students could understand. When Cook saw the job posting for his current position at UCSD, he said “That’s me!” It was a role where he could combine his love of minerals, rocks, and crystals with his passion for working with students. Currently, he teaches a variety of courses in the Earth Sciences, such as geology, mineralogy, volcanology, and first-year seminars.

Dr. Cook has expanded his classroom to New Zealand, France, and Switzerland as part of the Global Seminars Program, where he leads students on geology adventures and academic excursions. One of his favorite parts of this role is exploring amazing natural spaces and giving geology talks to his motivated students. 

One of Cook’s proudest accomplishments at UCSD is his work as the Educational Policy Committee Senate Chair. For 5 years and onward, he led a committee that created policies related to making education more accessible to students. For example, Cook had a hand in many COVID-related policies that helped students learn remotely during the pandemic.

Dr. Cook's geology and volcanology-based courses are so well-received by students that he was honored with the Sixth College Teaching Excellence Award in 2012. Taking a much more active role in the college, Dr. Cook assumed the responsibility of heading the Sixth College Executive Committee. This role entails regular consultations with student leaders, the Provost, and the Dean of Academic Advising, aimed at enhancing various aspects ranging from Sixth College's curriculum to student welfare and overall experiences. Behind the scenes, Dr. Cook plays a pivotal role in organizing numerous Sixth College events and spearheading the rebranding efforts for the college's logo and mission.

One message that Dr. Cook hopes to share with students is that college should be a time for personal learning, and taking courses in what each student is passionate about. The most important thing is focusing on learning and growing holistically rather than grades. By focusing on what he loves, he feels like he’s never worked a day in his life.

Even though he’s so busy, Dr. Cook doesn’t feel like any of it seems like work. He hopes to continue his role well into his 90s until he cannot teach anymore!