Alex Steeley has been with the Washington Geological Survey for nearly ten years and is currently leading the geologic hazards and mapping group. Before this, Steeley ran the mapping and geothermal programs and spent some time as the technical geology editor. Steeley completed a PhD in geology from the University of California Santa Cruz, doing thermochronology, tectonics, and uranium-lead dating. Steeley used those skills to understand the uplifting history of the central coast of California. Steeley took about six years after my MS degree to be a river guide, rock climber, and world traveler.