The Rutgers University Geology Museum, America’s first geology museum and a cornerstone of geoscience education since 1872, is entering an exciting new chapter with a leadership transition.
Celebrating the Leadership of Dr. Lauren Neitzke Adamo
After nearly 17 years of dedicated service, the museum community extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Lauren Neitzke Adamo for her remarkable leadership and lasting impact.
Dr. Neitzke Adamo began her work with the Rutgers University Geology Museum in 2009 and has spent almost two decades shaping its direction and influence. Over that time, she became a central figure in strengthening the museum’s leadership in geoscience education and outreach.
During her tenure, she transformed the museum into a vibrant hub for public engagement by revitalizing educational programming, expanding outreach across New Jersey, and making geology accessible and exciting for learners of all ages. A major milestone of her leadership was the development of *My Friend Manny*, a collaborative children’s book inspired by the museum’s iconic mastodon that brought together students, faculty, and staff to create an engaging story blending science and history, while reflecting her commitment to innovative, interdisciplinary education and outreach.
Her contributions also include advancing scholarship on the Rutgers Geology Museum itself, helping to document and share its significance as the oldest geology museum in the United States and its long-standing role in science education.
Dr. Neitzke Adamo will be transitioning to a new role within the Office of Undergraduate Education at the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University, where her dedication to student success and educational innovation will continue to have a meaningful impact across the university.
Through her vision, creativity, and sustained dedication, Dr. Neitzke Adamo leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the museum’s mission and impact for years to come. The Rutgers community is deeply grateful for her service and leadership.
Welcoming Dr. Crystal Pletka as Director
The museum is pleased to welcome Dr. Crystal Pletka as its new Director.
Dr. Pletka brings a strong, multifaceted background in geosciences, including a Ph.D. in Geosciences and extensive experience across research, industry, and higher education.
She has shown a strong and sustained commitment to Rutgers students and the broader community, consistently engaging large and diverse groups of learners while fostering enthusiasm for the geosciences. Her work reflects a deep dedication to student success and meaningful learning experiences, both inside and beyond the classroom.
In addition, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to service and leadership within the university, supporting initiatives that enhance curriculum, promote academic integrity, and improve access and engagement for all students.
She is also passionate about integrating geoscience content into inclusive and accessible educational environments, emphasizing innovative approaches that ensure Earth science education resonates with diverse audiences.
In addition to her academic and professional accomplishments, she brings a decade of experience in the oil and gas industry as a biostratigrapher, along with ongoing consulting work. Her expertise spans paleontology, stratigraphy, and paleoenvironmental analysis, giving her a strong foundation for leading a museum dedicated to Earth science education.
She is also active in the broader scientific community, contributing to professional organizations and mentoring students, while continuing to develop scholarly research and collaborative projects.
With her combined strengths in education, research, and leadership, Dr. Pletka is well-positioned to guide the Rutgers University Geology Museum into its next era.
Looking Ahead
This leadership transition represents both a moment of reflection and an opportunity for continued growth. Building on Dr. Lauren Neitzke Adamo’s nearly 17 years of dedication and impact, Dr. Crystal Pletka’s leadership promises to further advance the museum’s mission of education, outreach, and discovery.
Please join us in thanking Dr. Neitzke Adamo for her years of service and in welcoming Dr. Pletka as she begins this exciting new role.