Dr. John J. Renton is Professor of Geology at West Virginia University where he has been teaching for more than 40 years. He earned his bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Waynesburg College and went on to earn his master's degree and Ph.D. in Geology from West Virginia University. Professor Renton is the recipient of several awards for his success in teaching, including the Outstanding Educator Award from the Eastern Section of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and the Outstanding Teacher Award from the West Virginia University Foundation. Professor Renton is the author of the textbook, Planet Earth. He has also authored or coauthored 45 papers and has been part of more than $4 million of coal-related research grants.