Melissa Ranhofer

Background

About Melissa Ranhofer

Dr. Melissa Ranhofer is a marine scientist and award winning educator. She studies the community dynamics of phytoplankton, the cycling of nutrients, and the threats posed by invasive aquatic species in Upstate South Carolina. Dr. Ranhofer came to Furman in 2009 upon completion of her Ph.D. at the University of South Carolina, Columbia. Trained in the fields of geology, environmental science, and marine science her diverse scientific background allows her to approach teaching from many different perspectives. Dr. Ranhofer’s courses are designed to prepare students to apply critical thinking and reasoning skills to diverse challenges in the real world. Her teaching philosophy focuses on engaged learning; providing students with a sound background in earth and environmental sciences and the dynamic interactions between nature and society so they can better understand the condition of the Earth. Dr. Ranhofer is the educational outreach liaison and the moderator for the EESS Department's Facebook page She is a member of the Carolina Geological Society. Courses taught at Furman University: EES - Earth Science and the Silver Screen EES 112 - Environmental Science EES 113 - Natural Hazards and Natural Disasters EST 301 - Environment and Society EES 410 - Ocean, Atmosphere, and Climate Systems EES/SUS 474 - Senior Capstone PTH 101 - Pathways 101 PTH 102 - Pathways 102 PTH 201 - Pathways 201 PTH 202 - Pathways 202 Courses taught at Clemson University GEOL 1010 - Physical Geology GEOL 1030 - Physical Geology Laboratory GEOL 2700 - Experiences in Sustainable Development: Water