Scott Burns is a professor emeritus of geology and past-chair of the Department of Geology at Portland State University (PSU), where he has taught for more than three decades. He also served as an associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at PSU. Scott has been teaching for over 50 years, with past positions in Switzerland, New Zealand, Washington, Colorado, and Louisiana. He specializes in environmental and engineering geology, geomorphology, soils, and Quaternary geology, and has been recognized with many awards for outstanding teaching. Scott was chosen to be a fellow of the Geological Society of America as well a fellow with the Kellogg National Fellowship Program, and also served as president of the Downtown Rotary Club of Portland, Oregon’s oldest and largest Rotary Club.

Scott is a sixth-generation Oregonian who grew up in Beaverton and is very happy to be "home" after a 25-year hiatus. He actively helps local TV, radio stations, and newspapers bring important geological news to the public. He enjoys all sports, especially basketball, running, skiing, hiking, swimming, tennis, and golf.

Language spoken: English