By Kayla Kiszka, Joelle Serbenta, and Anna Herr

The state of Indiana is mostly known for their dunes and corn fields, but in reality, Indiana has been supplying the country with an underground material, limestone, and Polly Sturgeon is one of the experts.

After nine years full of limestone tours at Indiana University, which she still gives to this day, Sturgeon has become very familiar with the material that fills Indiana University’s beautiful campus. Her passion for the history of limestone is shown through her work in frequent presentations on topics related to Indiana geology in local schools and for the general public through her tours.

“I took over the campus limestone walking tours when Brian Keith, former geologist at the IGWS, retired. I have experience in giving public tours and was interested in expanding the tour to include more campus history,” says Sturgeon.

Her dedication to the topic she educates and presents on goes further than the campus, tracing back to her own home. “[The use of Limestone] echos as it goes down into so many different facets. I mean, my house is built out of Indiana Limestone and I live across the street from a quarry,” Sturgeon said.

Not only does Sturgeon have a passion for this native material, she also works as Indiana’s Geological Water Survey Outreach Coordinator and has a Master of Science with a specialization in Geoscience Education from Indiana University Bloomington. Along with her Masters, she has earned a Bachelor of Science from Olivet Nazarene University and a Certificate in Museum Studies from Northwestern University.

Sturgeon’s work ranges from learning labs all the way to statewide energy projects. One of her more notable projects was recognized not only by the University, but the state itself.

“I received a Bicentennial Medal in 2020 for my work on the ‘Resurrecting Megajeff’ project, which told the story of IU’s lost Megalonyx jeffersonii skeleton and the importance of natural history collections for research and education,” says Sturgeon.

The Bicentennial Medal is given to individuals that have helped the college gain a certain recognition, as well as being a role model. In Sturgeon’s case, her story earned her the award for being an excellent example for future students, staff, and alumni.

Even after almost a decade of touring, Sturgeon’s spirit has never left her. Indiana resident Joelle Serbenta attended her first limestone tour, going into it with a closed mind until she realized all the information Sturgeon had to offer.

“The tour was super interesting. Going into it I thought I was going to be really bored because it was two hours long, but it was actually super informative. The tour guide seemed like a super fun person and you can tell she really likes what she does,” said Serbenta.

In all, Sturgeon’s work never goes unrecognized, and the Indiana University’s Limestone Tour is something that is accessible to all when they come to visit Bloomington, Indiana.