It is with great enthusiasm that I cite Professor Codi Lazar for the AGU Athelstan Spilhaus Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to geoscience education and outreach. Codi is an associate professor of geology at California State University, San Bernardino, where he teaches a diverse spectrum of courses to undergraduate and graduate students in the greater Los Angeles area. In addition to his teaching career, Codi is passionate about geoscience outreach, and he is a leading geoscience content creator and social media influencer. What makes Codi's outreach work truly exceptional is his ability to blend humor with scientific concepts, making geology accessible and entertaining to the public.

Codi has primarily distinguished himself through his platform, Tectonic_City. All of my students know of him and follow his daily posts. With over 31,000 followers on Instagram and more than 1,300 on YouTube, he effectively bridges the gap between academia and the public by providing engaging, humorous and educational content about geology. His innovative YouTube video series What’s My Rock? has also garnered significant attention, amassing over 45,600 views and growing. This series features interviews with individuals from various backgrounds, allowing them to share their personal stories about rocks, thereby fostering connections and deepening public interest in geoscience. His creativity also extends beyond social media, as he has produced a geoscience-themed music album on Spotify with his band, Octopolis, which recently performed at the Geological Society of America 2024 Annual Meeting. Codi’s multifaceted and unique approach in promoting geoscience has not only broadened his audience but also showcased geology in a fun and relatable manner to the public.

Codi’s teaching and outreach efforts are also dedicated to inclusivity and representation in geoscience. He teaches three to four courses per semester to students at California State University, San Bernardino, a minority and Hispanic serving institution. His virtual seminars, aptly titled “Advice,” also provide invaluable guidance to students navigating challenges such as applying to graduate school, further expanding his impact within the academic community. In addition, he actively promotes LGBTQIA+ themes through geology-themed social media posts and merchandise, addressing the need for greater visibility in the field.

Through his tireless efforts, Codi has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to promoting geoscience to the public and inspiring the next generation of geoscientists. He is an ambassador of geoscience and is truly worthy of the 2024 Athelstan Spilhaus Award.

—Joshua Schwartz
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, California