Leadership

Dr. Danny Stockli

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Dr. Danny Stockli became interim dean of the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin on Feb. 1, 2026. As a researcher, Stockli is focused on the development and application of geo- and thermochronometry to tectonic and geological problems to better quantify the temporal and thermal aspects of tectonic, petrologic, stratigraphic, and geomorphologic processes.

Dr. Peter Flemings

Dr. Peter Flemings is responsible for academic affairs for the Jackson School, including the undergraduate program, student affairs, and admissions. Flemings’ research couples observation with theoretical analysis to study crustal fluid flow at human and geologic timescales. He leads an industry-supported research consortium (UT GeoFluids) that combines geomechanical modeling, experimental analysis, and field study to study pore pressure and fluid flow in basins.

Dr. Lorena Moscardelli

Dr. Lorena Moscardelli became director of the Bureau of Economic Geology on March 17, 2025. Prior to this appointment she was leading the bureau’s largest research program: the State of Texas Advanced Resource Recovery (STARR) program. Lorena has more than 20 years of experience in energy research in industry and academia. Her research expertise is in seismic geomorphology and interpretation, sedimentology and stratigraphy and geoscience data integration.

Dr. Demian Saffer

Dr. Demian Saffer was appointed director in of the Institute for Geophysics at The University of Texas at Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences Jan. 1, 2020. Prior, he was a professor and head of the Department of Geosciences at Penn State University. Saffer’s research centers on the role of fluids in tectonic processes and what this can tell us about earthquakes and tsunamis.

Dr. Michael Young

Michael Young has over 35 years of professional experience, from academic research to Federal (regulatory) to private industry, in the general areas of environmental geosciences, hydrology, and soil sciences/physics. He has significant field, laboratory and numerical modeling experience that, taken together, provides a more comprehensive assessment of the processes affecting our environment. As the Associate Dean of Research he is responsible for fostering an active research culture and promoting the formulation and implementation of major collaborative research initiatives and multi- and interdisciplinary research.

Dr. Veronica Vasquez

Dr. Veronica Vasquez brings over 25 years of experience in higher education, spanning both Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. She joined the Jackson School as the Assistant Dean of Academic and Student Affairs in July 2022. In her role, Dr. Vasquez is dedicated to enhancing student programming and fostering student success, ensuring a supportive and enriching academic environment.

Anton Caputo

Anton Caputo oversees all communications and media relations at the Jackson School of Geosciences. Before joining the Jackson School in 2014, Anton had a career as an award-winning journalist specializing in energy and environmental issues. Directly prior to joining the Jackson School, Anton was a senior communications specialist for the Lower Colorado River Authority specializing in water and drought issues.

Adam Mena

Adam Mena manages finances and human resources at the Jackson School of Geosciences. Prior to joining the Jackson School, he was director of finance at UT’s College of Natural Sciences.

Andrew West

Andrew West is the Chief Development Officer for the Jackson School of Geosciences. In this role, he oversees all development and alumni relations activities for the Jackson School. Prior to joining the Jackson School, Andrew was part of the University Development Office supporting initiatives in the College of Fine Arts as well as other programs across campus. He is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and a lifelong Austinite.