Special Collections Blog: Dragon Tales

Ice Age: The work of Dr. P. Jay Fleisher

Written by Caitlin Snyder, Class of December '19, Alden Room Research Assistant

Starting his career in the State University at Oneonta in 1968, Dr. P. Jay Fleisher had a great impact on not only the Oneonta community, but the nation as a whole.  Fleisher’s committed research on the Bering Glacier led him to remarkable discoveries.  On a local scale, he was renowned for his teaching, as well as his research to help the community.

Dr. Fleisher was a geologist at SUNY schools, including Oneonta.  He was granted teaching awards in both 1976 and 1989; awards which required the decision of all faculty members.  Fleisher worked closely with his students, helping them with their research.  Some of such students were honored for their work with him.  In addition, he led trips and expeditions that gave students invaluable experience and exposure to some of the world’s greatest natural wonders.  Besides enriching the lives of his students, Fleisher applied his expertise to the community itself.

Dr. Fleisher’s concern with the environment was reflected in his interaction with the Oneonta community.  Hired by the Oneonta Common Council, as well as the Antipollution and Environmental Board, he studied the geography of local locations in order to estimate the impact of building projects in the area.  Through his research, he was able to advise both councils in making the best decisions for the Oneonta environment.  Fleisher also may have prevented negative impacts such as flooding due to runoff.  His work helped both the surrounding environment, and his neighbors.  Fleisher’s contributions were not limited to the Oneonta community.  His research impacted the entirety of New York, and even the rest of the nation.

Fleisher’s fascination with Alaska led to regular visits, sometimes accompanied by students.  The doctor spearheaded research groups in the state, which allowed students a first-hand glance at the wilderness of Alaska.  During one of these regular trips, Fleisher and his group made a groundbreaking discovery about the Bering Glacier.  The team found that the glacier was going to “surge.” The glacier would move at an accelerated rate compared to its movement during earlier studies.  Fleisher recorded the glacier moving between 100 and 200 meters a day, a phenomenon that happens once in a lifetime.  At 66 years old, he and his research team were able to record the event.  Through the movement and melting in the glacier, they were able to monitor climate change through the retreat of such glaciers.   Fleisher’s research aided in a better understanding of both the climate and how its change can impact our environment.

Photo acquired from NASA Earth Observatory: https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/4710/bering-glacier-alaska

P. Jay Fleisher’s work influenced a wide array of people.  An acclaimed teacher and researcher, his work influenced people from a community level to a global one.  Years of dedicated research led to the discovery of a lifetime, one that would impact the entire world.  While Dr. Fleisher is now retired, his contributions to the Oneonta community will be remembered for years to come.

For more information please contact or visit the Alden Room. 

Additionally, please visit the following link to see his interview featured on the CGP Community Stories: http://www.cgpcommunitystories.org/items/show/319