Sarah Friedman

Dr. Sarah Friedman

Assistant Professor, Earth Science, CHPS

Dr. Sarah Friedman has made significant contributions to furthering earth sciences at MSUB. She is genuinely committed to improving and enriching students’ success and enabling students from all backgrounds and abilities to access higher education. Her methods and research make her a deserving winner of the MCIE Award for Support of Students with Disabilities.

Friedman’s research focus uncovers the mysteries of the V-shaped ridges and troughs in the North Atlantic Ocean. She is part of the International Ocean Discovery Program, where a team of international scientists investigate these wonders together. Her role in this research is to use paleomagnetism and the scanning electron microscope at MSUB to learn about the magnetic field of the rocks brought up during a drilling expedition in the summer of 2021.

Friedman is currently working on improving inclusivity in her courses through rewriting course curricula to ensure a more diverse background of scientists and research are represented. Valuing inclusivity and community, she recently added a field paleontology course in partnership with Bighorn Basin Paleontological Institute where students will spend two weeks in the summer digging up dinosaur bones at field sites near Red Lodge.

Friedman also makes every effort to ensure student success in her classes. Her nominator for this award, a former student, shares, “Her actions show that she truly cares about her students. She once told everyone in her class that she does not want them to fail.” The student continues that because of what she said, he was determined to meet his educational goals and Dr. Friedman has been a big contributor to his life-changing journey.

Outside of the classroom, Friedman is a Montana Geological Society board member and is working on building field trips for members. She is also a board member of the Yellowstone Bighorn Research Association, which provides research opportunities for students.

Friedman’s ethos exemplifies the values held by MSUB, and she is a well-deserving recipient of the MCIE Award for Support of Students with Disabilities for her unwavering commitment to her students, curriculum, and research.