Dr. Jeremiah Shuster is a geomicrobiologist who works as Assistant Professor, Earth Sciences at Western University. His experience working in Canadian, Australian, and German university systems have helped him identify strengths and weaknesses in the differing approaches to student education and training. His mission, through teaching and research, is to advance society’s knowledge of (bio)geosciences and strengthen the appreciation for our planet. In doing so, he strives to promote diversity in academia and help build stronger collaborations between academia, industry, and local communities.