Leilani Arthurs holds a BA in Peace & Conflict Studies from University of California at Berkeley, a BS in Geology from the University of Hawai`i at Hilo, and a PhD in Civil Engineering & Geological Sciences from the University of Notre Dame.آ She has broad interests in natural hazards, water quality, and climate change that share the common theme of social and environmental justice.آ She views education as a vehicle for individual social mobility and social change.آ As such, her research interests include identifying conceptual challenges to learning Earth processes; increasing novice proficiency with scientific, analytical, and critical thinking skills; and applying learning sciences research to designing instructional materials, pedagogical strategies, and STEM faculty professional development programs.