Dr. Liutkus-Pierce is a sedimentologist and paleoenvironmental scientist, and is the current Director of the Environmental Science Program in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. She currently teaches Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Evolution of the Earth, a summer field course focused on the geology of carbonate islands and coral reef environments, as well as a variety of other introductory courses and labs. She was inducted into Appalachian's Academy of Outstanding Teachers in 2016, and was awarded the UNC Board of Governors Appalachian State University Excellence in Teaching Award for 2017.

Dr. Liutkus-Pierce's research focuses on the reconstruction of paleoenvironmental conditions using a variety of sedimentological and geochemical tools, including lake sediments, paleosols, and root carbonates. Her work on the Engare Sero Footprint Site in Tanzania has recently been showcased by a number of news outlets including the Washington Post, National Geographic, and many others. Dr. Liutkus-Pierce is a National Geographic Explorer, and was named a Fellow of the Explorers Club in 2017.

Professors, Geology, National geographic