Find an Expert

The Jackson School has more than 150 researchers and faculty in all facets of the earth sciences. Use this database to find experts in any of our academic and research units. Media can also contact the Communications Office (anton.caputo@jsg.utexas.edu) for information or call (512) 232-9623.

	Mohsen Ahmadian-Tehrani Project manager for Advanced Energy Consortium
	William A Ambrose Sedimentology, subsurface mapping of clastic depositional systems, oil and gas production analysis, coalbed methane
	John R Andrews Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS), 3-D data visualization/programming, C++ programming with experience in spatial data processing and visualization
	David K Arctur Geographic Information Systems and Database Management Systems, with focus of interest in standards for interoperability of data and models for multidisciplinary geosciences research (water resources, climate, and geohazards in particular). Data and model semantics, and digital preservation of physical samples are crosscutting subthemes of interest.
	Adrien Arnulf
	James A Austin Stratigraphic evolution of a wide range of marine and lacustrine environments around the world
	Aaron Averett
	Kenneth Bader Fossil Preparation Osteological Preparation Forensic Entomology
	Elke E Baitis
	Amy A Banerji Stratigraphy, Aquifer / Reservoir Characterization, Water / Energy Resource Evaluation, Petroleum geology
	Nathan L Bangs Structural development and tectonic processes along convergent margins; MCS methods to acquire 3-D images of structure and stratigraphy within subduction zones; processing, inversion, and modeling of seismic reflection data
	Jay L Banner Isotopic methods, groundwater, oceans, ancient oceans, climate change, aquifers, caves, environmental science, geochemistry, paleoclimatology
	Jaime D Barnes Stable isotope geochemistry, metamorphism and volatile transport in subduction zones, fluid-rock interaction and metasomatism, geochemical cycling, stable chlorine isotopes
	John Baskin
	Thorsten Becker mantle dynamics; fault system dynamics; structural seismology; numerical modeling
	Whitney Behr Mechanics and kinematics of deformation in continental lithosphere, rheology of the crust and upper mantle, mechanisms of strain localization, experimental rock mechanics, tectonic geomorphology and long term slip rates and hazard on large-scale strike-slip faults.
	Christopher J Bell Vertebrate paleontology, North American Pliocene and Pleistocene small mammal biostratigraphy and biochronology, osteology, anatomy, and systematics of squamate reptiles and turtles, Impacts of climate change on vertebrate communities
	Philip C Bennett Aqueous geochemistry, geomicrobiology, environmental and microbial geochemistry, hydrogeology
	Athma R Bhandari
	Donald D Blankenship Antarctic ice sheets, robotic space missions to Europa, airborne and ground-based geophysical techniques (including laser altimetry, radar sounding, seismic reflection and refraction), West Antarctic rift system, West Antarctic Ice Sheet, climate change, global warming, remote sensing
	Tara Bongiovanni
	Lisa D Boucher Paleobotany, Evolutionary Biology, Paleoecology, Biogeography, Plant Anatomy
	Robert E Boyer Administrator
	Daniel O Breecker The Breecker Group studies biogeochemical processes occurring at or near the land surface. We study soils and paleosols, caves and stalagmites, and other materials, such as volcanic glass, that give us insight into ancient Earth. We study timescales ranging from seasonal cycles to hundreds of millions of years. We use observations, mathematical models and both laboratory and field-based experiments to address an evolving range of questions. To learn more about the research we are doing, please see our [link:http://www.jsg.utexas.edu/breecker-lab]research group website[/link].
	Caroline L Breton Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
	Donald Brooks
	Matthew A Brown Brown's primary research goal is to develop a more thorough understanding of how past and future treatments affect specimens as sources of data, and the impact these treatments have on the science of paleontology. This approach examines how historic and current practices in the field, laboratory, and collections interplay, and how the scientific community interprets these results in the literature. He also studies how such events foster an evolution of best practices, policy, and law, and he advocates for fossils on public lands. Brown is an active member of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections, and is the founder and Past-President of the Association for Materials and Methods in Paleontology.
	John S Buckley
	Dillon P Buhl
	James L Buttles
	Todd Caldwell Dr. Caldwell's research focuses on field investigations and modeling of soil and vadose zone processes across multiple scales and environments. He is principle investigator for the Texas Soil Observation Network, a core calibration and validation site for the NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive Satellite Mission.
	Susan E Cameron
	M Bayani Cardenas Hydrology and Hydrogeology
	David L Carr Clastic sedimentology, Sequence stratigraphy, Integrated reservoir characterization, Log analysis and petrophysics, Underground gas storage.
	Ginny Catania Ice sheet mass balance, ice dynamics, subglacial hydrology, ice sheet stratigraphy, radar, GPS methods, uncertainty in ice sheet response to climate.
	Elizabeth J Catlos My primary research focus is [bold]geochemistry[/bold], and how the fundamentals of chemistry (mineral reactions, radiogenic and stable isotopes, major and trace elements) can be and are used to understand what the Earth was like in the past. In this, I have interests that span a broad range of range of plate boundary processes and laboratory approaches. Many ancient fault systems are clues to determine the evolution and migration of Earth's continents in the past, identify important economic resources that formed during specific times in Earth's history, and/or to assess geological hazards that result due to reactivation of older faults or mass movement of rocks. They are used to understand how plate tectonics operates today and how it operated in the past. I am interested in constraining the evolution of a number of fault systems and mountain ranges that formed during the closure of ancient ocean systems primarily across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. For example, a major portion of my [bold]Himalayan research [/bold] agenda involves constraining past motion on the Main Central Thrust, a large-scale shear zone that worked to create the highest mountains on the planet. I currently use novel geochemical and geochronological approaches that take advantage of modern-day technology to understand how [bold] garnet-bearing rocks [/bold] moved at a high-resolution scale within that structure. Garnets are chemical tape recorders, and their chemical elements can be used to ascertain the pressures and temperatures they experienced. They also enclose radioactive minerals, such as monazite, that can be dated to time their history. Data from numerous garnet-bearing rocks across the Main Central Thrust can be used to inform us regarding how and when the Himalayas uplifted in the past, and lend insight into the motion that affects it today. To this end, I collaborate and learn from other researchers, such as geophysicists and modelers. I apply similar approaches to garnet-bearing rocks found in extensional systems in western [bold]Turkey[/bold]. In this region, the plate boundary experienced a major switch in the geological past from compression to extension. Again, I apply new approaches in the thermodynamic modeling and geochronology to garnets in this locale to understand why and how this plate tectonic transition occurred. In this portion of my research, I also include the study of [bold]granites[/bold], as these igneous bodies emplaced during the extensional phase. The timing of their formation is key pieces of information regarding how extension occurred in western Turkey, both in time and space. To this end, I pioneered new imaging approaches to their study, and collaborate with economic geologists in Turkey who are interested in how heat and fluid flow around these granite bodies are intricately involved in the formation of ore resources. Their research sparked my interest in granite petrology, and I also study this rock type in China and Slovakia. Some of these granites formed at ancient plate boundaries as continents collided, and their ages and chemistry constrain when and what types of geological processes operated during their formation. The approaches I apply (geochemistry and geochronology) are of interest to a wide variety of researchers, so I collaborate and involve students in projects that include other geologists. An example of this is the dating of radioactive minerals from [bold]ancient meteorite impact craters and massive volcanic eruptions[/bold], events that are key for shaping how life evolved in Earth's history. These projects involve the use of modern and ever-evolving [bold]technological advances in geochemistry[/bold], such as the laser ablation of tiny zircon crystals, or the use of instruments that do not require minerals to be separated from rocks, such as secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). I am interested in [bold]accessory minerals[/bold], such as zircon and monazite, and what controls their appearance in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Monazite, in particular, has been a focus of my research and I have key expertise in its formation, composition, geochronology, and its use as a rare earth resource. Although my research primarily involves compressional and extensional plate boundaries and igneous and metamorphic rocks, I recently delved into understanding sedimentary rocks from along the North Anatolian Fault, a major strike-slip system in north-central Turkey. In this research, we obtained oxygen isotopes across transects along calcite-filled fractures in limestones using SIMS. These calcite-filled fractures have the potential to record their source and provide key insight into the history of the limestones as well as their use for recording modern day fluid flow driven by seismic activity along the active fault system. Fundamentally, my research is [bold]field-based[/bold] and involves the mapping and collection of rocks and understanding their importance in addressing research questions regarding what the Earth was like in the past. The research is [bold]laboratory-based[/bold], and I take advantage of modern advances in technology applied to geosciences, including numerous facilities at UT Austin and elsewhere.
	Tiffany L Caudle Coastal processes, Severe storm effects and beach recovery, Beach and tidal inlet morphodynamics, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and GPS (Global Positioning System) data acquisition and processing and application to coastal mapping, Outreach.
	David T Chapman
	Rudra N Chatterjee
	Heather Christensen
	Gail L Christeson Marine seismology, mid-ocean ridge structure and emplacement processes, oceanic crustal structure, ocean-bottom seismology, seismic refraction
	Richard J Chuchla Graduate studies were focused on igneous processes, magmatism and related formation of ore deposits. Professional career included exploration for base and precious metal ore deposits, coal assessment and development, and research, exploration and development in the upstream sector of the oil and gas business. Managerial positions led to development of skills in commercial analysis, strategic planning and valuation. Concurrently, led numerous teams negotiating new contracts which led to a strong grounding in analysis of fiscal regimes and petroleum contracts. Familiar with many of the world's basins and experienced in both conventional deepwater and unconventional resources. Remain very interested in the technology of extractive industries and related commercial and policy issues. As Director of the Energy and Earth Resources graduate program, my personal learning objective is to broaden and deepen my understanding of renewable resources. Have a personal passion regarding the workings of the creative process and how it is impeded. Wrote a widely read internal company newsletter called Creative Contemplations.
	Julia A Clarke Evolution of morphology, vertebrate paleontology, systematic biology, avian anatomy and the evolution of flight, fossil birds. Dinosaurs.
	Mark Cloos Structural geology and tectonics
	Matthew W Colbert Paleontology, CT data visualization, vertebrate cranial morphology, evolutionary and postnatal ontogenetic variation in the Tapiroidea (Mammalia: Perissodactyla), ontogenetic sequence analysis, digital educational resources
	Kerry H Cook Climate dynamics, atmospheric dynamics, global climate change, paleoclimate, climate and weather of Africa and South America, climate system modeling, climate change in Texas
	Lucie Costard
	Jacob A Covault sedimentology, stratigraphy, marine geology
	Ian W Dalziel Tectonics, geodynamics, geography of ancient times, plate reconstructions, structural geology
	Roxana Darvari
	Marcy B Davis Multibeam bathymetry data processing; Map, figure, project promotional materials and poster illustration using GMT, MB System, Fledermaus, Adobe CS2, ArcGIS, and csh; Web page design and maintenance (see Polar Studies, STEEP, BOLIVAR, TXESS Revolution); Science writing
	Michael V DeAngelo 2-D/3-D seismic interpretation and seismic inversion analysis; geological/geophysical database management; development of seismic vector-wavefield technologies; seismic data acquisition and 3D acquisition design
	Beverly B Dejarnett Reservoir characterization and delineation through integration of sedimentologic, petrographic, and core analyses; tight gas sandstones and fractured reservoirs, as well as conventional siliciclastic and carbonate units
	Pedro Di Nezio climate change
	Patricia W Dickerson Reconstructing the tectonic history of southwestern Laurentia is Dickerson’s research focus: seeking the diagnostic evidence for Rodinia assembly and fragmentation (West Texas, Argentine Precordillera), Pangaea amalgamation (Marathon/Solitario fold-thrust belt, Ancestral Rocky Mts.), Laramide foreland deformation (Big Bend), and Rio Grande riftng/transform faulting. Member of task forces to develop scientific strategies for exploring the Moon and Mars.
	Robin D Dommisse
	Tim P Dooley Dynamics and kinematics of fault systems using scaled analog modeling, field studies, remote sensing, seismic data, and comparison with published examples; 3D geometries and kinematics of strike-slip fault systems using innovative analog modeling techniques; modeling of delta tectonics, salt tectonics, and segmented strike-slip and extensional fault systems
	Oliver Duffy Structural evolution of rift basins; Salt tectonics; Fault networks
	Daniel D Duncan geochemistry; collection and processing of soil and water samples for naturally occurring radioisotopes, trace metals and total suspended matter; maintain radiochemical instrumentation for prepared sample analyses
	Ian J Duncan Expertise in geomechanic and geochemistry applied to: risks associated with CO2 sequestration; hydraulic fracturing for shale gas production; environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing; and the water-energy nexus. Current research focuses on the scientific, environmental and public policy aspects of unconventional natural gas production, the water-energy nexus, and carbon capture and storage. He has a particular interest in risk analysis, decision making, and legal/regulatory issues related to fracing, CO2 sequestration, CO2-EOR, and energy production.
	Dallas B Dunlap Quantitative Clastics Laboratory, Geologic Subsurface Mapping, Deepwater Depositional Processes
	Shirley P Dutton Sandstone petrography and diagenesis, interpretation of diagenetic history by integration of petrographic, geochemical, and stratigraphic data; relationship of diagenesis to porosity, permeability, and other petrophysical properties of oil and gas reservoirs; timing of diagenesis and hydrocarbon maturation with respect to basin thermal and subsidence history
	Raymond L Eastwood Petrophysics; mainly creation of core-calibrated interpretation models for well logs.
	Gonzalo Echeverry
	David Edey
	Peter Eichhubl Fault and fracture mechanics, diagenesis and low-temp. geochemistry, fluid flow and transfer processes in sedimentary basins, deformation mechanisms of the upper crust, structural control of mass and heat transfer in sedimentary basins, effects of chemical mass transfer on the mechanical and hydraulic behavior of fractures and faults, chemical interaction between fluids and minerals
	Michael Eklund
	Kathy Ellins Geoscience education; Discipline Based Education Research (DBER); teacher professional development; geoscience curriculum development; undergraduate geoscience teacher preparation; climate literacy; geoscience, art and design engagement
	Brent Elliott
	Sara Elliott
	Claudio Faccenna Topics: subduction tectonic and morphological evolution of convergent margin, evolution of orogenic belt and exhumation of deep metamorphic rocks, dynamic topography, trench migration and back-arc deformation, mantle convection, volcanism and fluid circulation in the crust. Tools: Structural geology and geomorphology, experimental / numerical geodynamic modelling, paleomagnetism, seismic lines interpretation. Field sites: Tethyan belt: Mediterranean to the Middle East (Morocco, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Iran), Himalaya (Pakistan), Andes (Argentina-Colombia), Antarctica.
	Andras Fall Fluids in diagenetic and hydrothermal systems, Fluid inclusions, Fractures, Structural diagenesis
	Rory G Fitzpatrick
	Peter P Flaig Research Focus: Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway of North America, North Slope-Alaska, Central Transantarctic Mountains-Antarctica, Canada,- Clastic sedimentology - Fluvial sedimentology - Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of continental to shallow-marine systems using sedimentology, stratigraphy, architecture, and ichnology in outcrop studies - Photography and high-resolution imagery (e.g. LiDAR, GigaPan) of clastic systems - Paleopedology - Remote logistics.
	Peter B Flemings Stratigraphy, basin analysis, basin-scale fluid flow, pore pressures in seafloor sediments, submarine landslides, oil and gas migration, methane hydrates, Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP)
	Sergey Fomel Computational and exploration geophysics; seismic imaging; wave propagation; seismic data analysis; inverse problems; geophysical estimation
	Stephanie R Forstner
	Douglas J Foster
	Cliff Frohlich Seismology, deep earthquakes, Texas earthquakes, moonquakes, statistical analysis of earthquake catalogs
	Qilong Fu Sedimentology and stratigraphy, petrology of sedimentary rocks, reservoir characterization
	Rong Fu Convection, cloud and precipitation processes and their role in climate; Atmospheric transport in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere; Atmosphere, ocean and land/vegetation interactions; Satellite remote sensing applications and retrievals;
	Craig S Fulthorpe Marine geology, sedimentary geology, seismic stratigraphy and sedimentary architecture of continental margins, sequence stratigraphy and sea-level variation.
	Julia F Gale Natural fracture / vein systems in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; structural geology; tectonics
	William E Galloway Clastic depositional systems
	Shuang Gao
	James E Gardner Volcanology, volcanic eruption processes, magmatic processes, experimental petrology, volatiles in magmas, degassing of volatiles from magmas, control of degassing behavior on volcanic eruptions and formation of ore bodies
	Marcus Gary Karst Hydrogeology
	Omar Ghattas Computational geoscience and engineering, simulation and optimization of complex solid, fluid, and biomechanical systems, inverse problems, optimal design, and optimal control
	Seyedmohammadamin Gherabati
	Ramon A Gil Egui
	Jennifer H Gillespie
	John A Goff Seafloor morphology and bathymetry, swath sonar mapping, stratigraphy of the shallow seabed, ultra-high resolution seismic reflection (chrip) systems, sedimentary horizons, sea ice draft, crustal heterogeneity, canyon morphology on continental slopes, abyssal hills
	Timothy A Goudge Remote sensing; surface processes; geomorphology; sedimentology; reflectance spectroscopy; martian surface geology; planetary science.
	Stephen P Grand Seismic imaging of Earth's mantle, tomography, dynamics of flow in the mantle, regional seismic studies
	Cyril Grima
	Paul R Gucwa
	Sean S Gulick Tectonic processes, tectonic-climate interactions and geohazards of convergent margins and transitional tectonic environments Role of catastrophism in the geologic record including impact cratering, hurricanes, and tectonic events Marine geophysical imaging at nested resolutions and ground truth through drilling, coring, logging, and submersibles
	Roberto Gutierrez
	Herbert S Hamlin Stratigraphy, sedimentology, and depositional systems integrating subsurface data (geophysical logs and cores) with outcrops. Applications in hydrogeology and petroleum geology.
	Romy D Hanna carbonaceous chondrites, planetary geology, remote sensing, VISNIR and TIR spectroscopy, X-ray computed tomography (CT), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), 3D image analysis and processing, scientific software development
	Nicholas W Hayman Currently active projects include studies of ocean-crustal faulting, the dynamics of continental rifting, evolution of forearc basins and accretionary prisms, and mudrock microstructure. Also many projects involve sailing on research vessels to study active spreading centers in various corners of the globe.
	Paul Hearty
	Patrick Heimbach Heimbach's research group (Computational Research in Ice and Ocean Systems -- CRIOS) in ICES is engaged in a number of projects, with main funding from NASA, NSF, DOE, and DARPA. [bold](1)[/bold] Our overarching research focusses on understanding the global ocean circulation, its role in climate variability and change, and its predictability on seasonal to decadal time scales. As part of the NASA-funded "Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean" (ECCO) consortium involving colleagues at JPL, MIT, AER and Scripps, we are synthesizing much of the available satellite and in-situ observations with a state of the art global coupled ocean general circulation model by means of optimal state and parameter estimation. Results are used to infer, for example heat and freshwater content changes over the last few decades, and their impact on global sea level (via the NASA Sea Level Change science team). Related NASA-funded efforts focus on interpreting measurements from the existing and forthcoming GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) and SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) satellite missions in deciphering key dynamical processes in the ocean. [bold](2)[/bold] As part of an NSF-funded project (Arctic & subpolar gyre State Estimate -- ASTE), we are developing computational frameworks for quantifying the role of the ocean in observed Arctic climate variability and changes over the last few decades. The framework also enables assessment of how to build an improved observing system in support of the Arctic Observing Network (AON) and the Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH). [bold](3)[/bold] Our group is also investigating the ocean's role in the observed increasing mass wastage from the two polar ice sheets. Two NSF-funded projects focus on quantifying Greenland ice sheet-ocean interactions (GRISO). In particular, an NSF Research Coordination Network (RCN) project is conducted in collaboration with Co-PI Catania (DGS/UTIG) and other collaborating institutions to improve interdisciplinary data access, standardization and curation through modern cyberinfrastructure in support of GRISO. For another NSF-funded project (East Antarctic Grounding Line Experiment -- EAGLE) led by DGS/UTIG PI Blankenship, our group is developing a framework for conducting simulations of ice-sheet ocean interactions in East Antarctica in conjunction with the planned field campaign designed by UTIG. [bold](4)[/bold] Optimal control methods play an important role in initializing geophysical models, which are constrained by sparse observations in space and time, for the purpose of prediction. As part of the DOE project PISCEES (Predicting Ice Sheet and Climate Evolution at Extreme Scales), we are collaborating with Co-PI Jackson (DGS/UTIG) to develop concepts for adjoint-based transient ice sheet model calibration, initialization for prediction, and uncertainty quantification. Applications have targeted some of the fastest evolving ice stream-shelf systems in the Amundsen Sea Embayment, West Antarctica. [bold](5)[/bold] As part of DARPA's Positioning System for Deep Ocean Navigation (POSYDON) program, we are collaborating with BAE Systems in the project "Networked Estimation of Position using Tomography, Undersea-Gliders, Nudging and Exfiltration" (NEPTUNE). Our role is the provision of optimal ocean states via data assimilation for improved acoustic propagation. Climate change
	Mark A Helper Dr. Helper is a field geologist, a generalist whose interests span igneous and metamorphic petrology, structural geology, tectonics, mineralogy and planetary field geology. His current research explores geochemical and isotopic similarities of Proterozoic and Archean crust in East Antarctica and the southwestern U.S., the Precambrian geology of Texas, and the origin of epidote blueschists in the Klamath Mountains of northern California. Recent senior honors theses under his supervision have examined the mineralogy of Texas topaz, hydration and textural patterns in Balmorhea blue agate, and the distribution and origin of joints in the Hueco Tanks syenite. Working with NASA colleagues, he is also involved in analog planetary field research that examines the utility and efficacy of robotically gathering field data, both as a prelude to and follow-on to human geologic field work on the Moon and Mars. As co-chair of FEAT (Field Exploration and Analysis Team), he helped develop a new curriculum for the geological field training of astronauts and currently co-leads NASA's astronaut field geology training exercises. He also teaches field mapping techniques to NASA engineers and scientists who are developing capabilities for exploring the surface of asteroids, the Moon and Mars.
	Peter H Hennings Field and subsurface structural geology; seismic structural interpretation and analysis; characterization and hydraulic modeling of fractured and compartmentalized reservoirs; reservoir geomechanics; induced seismicity; fault seal analysis; thrust belt kinematics; hydrocarbon exploration and production; geology of West Texas, Wyoming, and western Montana; coaching for students seeking geoscience careers in the petroleum industry.
	Tucker F Hentz Siliciclastic sequence stratigraphy, sandstone petrology, continental depositional systems, field mapping and stratigraphy
	Thomas Hess Geoscience software, anisotropic imaging, seismic processing, seismic geometry, deconvolution, problem solving.
	Marc A Hesse Multiphase flow in porous media, geomechanics, numerical simulation, mathematical, modeling, reactive transport, magma dynamics.
	Casey Holliday
	Jack Holt Mars ice and paleoclimate, Alaskan glaciers, airborne and orbital geophysics, hydrogeophysics, paleomagnetism. See Jack's UTIG webpage: http://www.ig.utexas.edu/people/staff/jack/
	Sarah C Hood
	Robert W Hook
	Elizabeth Horne
	Brian K Horton Tectonics of sedimentary basins, evolution of orogenic systems, sediment provenance and routing systems, nonmarine depositional processes.
	Seyyed Abolfazl Hosseini Research interests are mainly topics related to fluid transport in porous media. Current research includes: Enhanced Oil Recovery - Enhanced Gas Recovery - Upscaling and Upgridding - Above Zone Monitoring Interval - Reservoir Simulation and History Matching - Unconventional Reservoirs
	Pooneh Hosseininoosheri
	Susan D Hovorka Geologic carbon sequestration in deep sedimentary environments as part of carbon capture and storage. PI of the Gulf Coast Caron Center (www.gulfcoastcarbon.org) focused on research relevant to commercial development of geologic sequestration in regions where it is both needed and possible. Monitoring field projects. Petrography and sedimentology supporting hydrogeology in karst and contaminated systems. K-12 and public outreach and education.
	Scarlette Hsia
	Guo-Chin Huang
	Michael R Hudec Salt tectonics, 3-D computer modeling, kinematic models for evolution and growth of salt structures, structural geology, cross-section restoration and balancing, seismic interpretation
	Svetlana Ikonnikova energy economics; natural gas; oil
	Charles S Jackson global warming, abrupt climate change, sea level rise, ocean mixing, Bayesian Inference, inverse modeling, simulation, climate projections, uncertainty quantification
	Xavier Janson Carbonates sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy, petrophysics of carbonate, seismic signature of carbonate rock, seismic modeling, carbonate modern depositional environment
	Christopher N Jass
	Farzam Javadpour Dispersion phenomena in porous systems (hydrocarbon reservoirs and brine aquifers); shale gas; CO2 injection up-scaling; EOR, EGR, and sequestration; nonotechnology in rock characterization.
	Joel P Johnson Process geomorphology, feedbacks between channel morphology and hydrology and sediment transport, landscape sensitivity to climate and lithology, bedrock river erosion, flash floods, arroyo erosion, canyon formation, environmental monitoring and sensor networks, laboratory flume experimentation, numerical modeling, tsunami sediment transport and deposition.
	Jon E Kalb
	Scott D Kempf Data management, radar data, airborne geophysics, computer systems, computer programming, carrier phase GPS processing, LIDAR, magnetic and gravity surveying.
	Charles Kerans Carbonate sequence stratigraphy, depositional systems, reservoir characterization, basin analysis, seismic interpretation, seismic stratigraphy, paleokarst analysis, carbonate diagenesis
	Richard A Ketcham High-resolution X-ray computed tomography, CT scanning, 3D image analysis, fission-track dating, thermochronology, structural geology, tectonics, digital morphology, trabecular bone
	Wonsuck Kim Quantitative stratigraphy, Shoreline dynamics, Morphodynamcis, Sediment transport, Deltaic sedimentation, River delta restoration, Coupled mathematical modeling and experimental stratigraphy, Planetary surface processes.
	Carey W King Energy and renewable energy generation, usage, conservation, policy, and education; energy systems approaches; energy return on energy invested, net energy; carbon capture and sequestration; nexus of water and energy; renewable energy and electricity integration
	Jay P Kipper Personnel management, fiscal reporting, budget management, contract negotiation, management of geological samples
	Gary A Kocurek Sedimentology, geomorphology and stratigraphy of aeolian systems; fluid flow and grain transport; bedform dynamics and pattern evolution of dune fields; the stratigraphic record of aeolian and related systems on Earth and Mars.
	Charles W Kreitler
	J. Richard Kyle Ore deposits geology, strata-controlled mineral resources, metals & industrial minerals exploration, ore petrology, characterization of ore-forming fluids, high resolution X-ray computed tomography applications to ore genesis & processing, geology of energy critical elements, resources & society, geology & mineral resources of Texas
	Josh R Lambert
	Lynton S Land Sedimentary geochemistry, diagenesis
	Toti E Larson
	John C Lassiter Earth's origin and evolution, isotope and trace element geochemistry, the role of crust and lithospheric mantle recycling in the generation of mantle chemical heterogeneity, the origin and distribution of water and other volatile elements in the Earth's interior, and the thermal and chemical evolution of the Earth's core and core/mantle boundary
	Stephen E Laubach Structural diagenesis, structural geology, fracture analysis, fluid inclusion and cathodoluminescence studies, rock mechanics, mechanical and fracture stratigraphy, hydrocarbon exploration and development in deep and/or structurally complex areas, tight gas sandstone, coalbed methane, shale gas; geologic aspects of hydraulic fracturing, application of borehole-imaging geophysical logs to stress and fracture evaluation, structural evolution of North American Cordillera, fracture history of NW Scotland, regional fracture studies Argentina.
	Luc L Lavier Tectonics; the structural and geodynamical evolution of continental and oceanic rifts, as well as collisional environments; numerical techniques to model tectonic processes on crustal and lithospheric scales; deformation; subduction
	David Ledesma
	Thomas M Lehman
	Casee R Lemons
	Joe Levy Permafrost, Antarctica, Planetary geology, Mars, Geomorphology, Remote Sensing, GIS
	Jung-Fu Lin Mineral physics, physics and chemistry of planetary materials, solid-Earth geophysics and geochemistry, high-pressure diamond anvil cell, X-ray and laser spectroscopy
	Jiachao Liu
	Staci L Loewy
	Robert G Loucks Research in carbonate, sandstone, and mudrock stratigraphy, sedimentology, diagenesis, reservoir characterization, and pore network analysis.
	Floyd J Lucia Carbonate geology, petroleum geological engineering, petroleum exploration geology, sandstone geology, pore space in carbonate rocks, diagenesis, stratigraphy, petrology, rock fabrics
	E L Lundelius Vertebrate Paleontology. Research interests are Pleistocene and Holocene mammals with emphasis on paleo-environmental reconstructions and microevolutionary changes. Analysis of nonhuman skeletal material from archaeological sites. Application of quantitative techniques to paleontological problems.
	Thomas E Macrini
	Jessica A Maisano Vertebrate paleontology, herpetology, morphology, developmental biology, high-resolution x-ray computed tomography, digital morphology, DigiMorph.org
	James L Maner Isotope geochemistry, Geochemistry, Experimental petrology, Igneous petrology, Metamorphic petrology, Electron microbeam, Secondary ion mass spectrometry
	Rowan C Martindale Triassic and Jurassic reef paleoecology, mass extinctions (Triassic-Jurassic, 201 Ma), carbon cycle perturbation events in deep time, ocean acidification in deep time, Oceanic Anoxic Events, invertebrate paleontology (corals, sponges, algae, microbes), Mesozoic marine communities and ecosystems, exceptional fossil preservation (Lagerstätten), paleoecology, carbonate petrography, warm-water and cool-water carbonate (eco)systems, low-temperature geochemistry.
	Patricia M Martone
	Ashley M Matheny Ecohydrology, Bio- and Micro-meteorology, Vegetation Hydrodynamics, Watershed Hydrology, Land-Atmosphere Interactions, Biogeochemistry, Water and Carbon Cycles, and Modeling
	Steven May
	Linda R Mc Call
	Earle F McBride Research in sandstone diagenesis, hydrocarbon reservoir quality of sandstones, sandstone petrology, chert, concretions, provenance of sandstone, the fate of pores in sandstone, cementation by quartz and calcite
	Guinevere McDaid
	Dr. Tip Meckel Stratigraphy, structural geology, CO2 sequestration, carbon capture and storage, CCS, high-resolution 3D seismic imaging
	Patrick J Mickler
	Nathaniel R Miller Sedimentary geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, Earth system evolution, Q-ICP-MS, microanalytics, GIS, Neoproterozoic climate [link: http://www.jsg.utexas.edu/news/2018/05/new-research-suggests-that-dawn-of-plate-tectonics-could-have-turned-earth-into-snowball/] [/link]
	Kitty L Milliken Petrography and geochemistry of siliciclastic rocks; diagenesis; electron microbeam methods: X-ray mapping, cathodoluminescence imaging; micro-scale reservoir characterization
	David Mohrig Sedimentary Geology, Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Geomorphology, Rivers, Deltas, Coastlines, Submarine Channels, Geohazards, Sediment-Gravity Currents, Sediment Transport, Seismic Interpretation, Basin Analysis
	Paul Morgenstern
	Sharon Mosher Structural petrology, field-oriented structural geology, the evolution of complexly deformed terranes, strain analysis, deformation mechanisms, the interaction between chemical and physical processes during deformation
	Yosio Nakamura Geophysics, lunar and planetary seismology, ocean-bottom seismometry
	Sterling J Nesbitt
	Gregory C Ng
	Jean Nicot Subsurface hydrology, numerical modeling and optimization of groundwater resources, multiphase flow and contaminant transport in both the unsaturated and saturated zones, geochemistry modeling and subsurface reactive transport, Mathematical geology, geostatistics, inverse modeling, optimization, risk assessment and risk analysis
	Maria-Aikaterini Nikolinakou Maria-Katerina Nikolinakou is currently a Research Scientist at the Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research focuses on understanding stress and pore pressure in complex geologic systems, including salt systems and thrust belts. She studies the behavior of geologic materials under high stress levels and complex stress paths. She develops applied workflows for pressure prediction in exploration settings. Maria is a Civil/Geotechnical Engineer. She received her Science Doctorate on Theoretical Soil Mechanics from MIT in 2008. She holds a M.Sc. in Geotechnical Engineering from MIT and a Civil Engineering degree from NTUA, Greece. Before joining the Jackson School, she worked for Shell Exploration and Production on Reservoir Geomechanics. Areas of Expertise: - Geotechnical Engineering - Constitutive modeling - Coupled stress-pore pressure prediction - Dipping structures - Borehole stability - Poromechanical modeling of basin sediments - Transient pore pressure dissipation - Salt Tectonics - Numerical modeling: Abaqus, ELFEN
	Ian O Norton Plate tectonics, structural evolution of continental margins, reconciliation of observations from structural geology with regional tectonics
	Vanessa Nunez-Lopez
	Joshua I O'connell
	Osareni C Ogiesoba Seismic interpretation of depositional systems, Seismic data processing and seismic anisotropy, Multicomponent data processing and velocity ratios estimation for reservoir characterization, Seismic modeling, Acreage evaluation and prospect generation, 3D seismic attributes-based rock property prediction in hydrothermal dolomite reservoirs.
	Yuko M Okumura Climate dynamics, climate variability and change, large-scale ocean-atmosphere interactions, atmospheric teleconnections, paleoclimate and thermohaline circulation, climate change
	Cornel Olariu Clastic Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Depositional Environments, Basin Analysis
	Mariana I Olariu
	Hilary C Olson Biostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental analysis of foraminifera
	Jon E Olson Naturally fractured reservoirs; Rock mechanics; Hydraulic fracturing; Structural geology
	Raymond L Orbach Complex systems/non-linear dynamics; Transport in random media;
	Jeffrey G Paine Near-surface geophysics in hydrogeology and environmental and Quaternary geology; coastal geology; Quaternary geology and geomorphology; computer applications in the geological sciences
	Camille Parmesan Global warming, climate change, insect ecology, butterfly biology
	Judson W Partin Paleoclimate, Stable and Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry, climate change
	Desmond B Patterson
	Christopher S Pearce
	Isabelle Pelletier Tardy
	Sheng Peng Multi-scale pore system characterization; Fluid flow in porous media; Unconventional reservoir
	Marcella Phillips
	Jorge R Pinon Latin American and Caribbean energy, Energy, energy policy, Latin America,
	Peter J Polito Designing and building complex experimental systems, working with high fluids, metrology, data acquisition, LabVIEW programing, down hole tool development and testing, odds and ends.
	Mary F Poteet karst ecosystems, biotic response and vulnerability to climate change, invasive species
	Eric Prokocki Open channel hydraulics and morphodynamics, Fluvial geomorphology/sedimentology, Estuarine/Deltaic hydraulics and sedimentology, and Turbidity currents
	Jay Pulliam Structure of the deep Earth, seismic methods based on ray perturbation theory, broadband ocean-bottom seismographs (BBOBS) suitable for recording earthquakes on the ocean floor
	Terrence M Quinn Paleoclimate, climate, climate change, climate dynamics, paleoclimatology, paleoceanography, sedimentary geology and geochemistry
	Robert M Reed Microstructural analysis of rocks, particularly small-scale deformation structures and pores in mudrocks.
	Robert C Reedy Instrumentation systems, geographic information systems (GIS), vadose zone hydrology
	Daniella M Rempe Hydrology, Geomorphology, Ecohydrology, Catchment Hydrology, Near-surface Geophysics, Hydrogeology
	Ana Maria Restrepo Acevedo
	Enrique Reyes
	Thomas G Richter
	Harold H Rogers
	Katherine D Romanak Geochemistry and isotope systematics of carbon cycling in the vadose zone and in freshwater aquifers; soil-gas monitoring and surface gas flux measurements at CO2 sequestration sites; microbial influences on carbon geochemistry in the shallow subsurface; fate and transport of organic contaminants.
	Timothy B Rowe Vertebrate paleontology, evolution and development of the vertebrate skeleton, phylogenetic systematics, the early history of mammals and their extinct relatives among Synapsida, the history of birds and their extinct relatives among Dinosauria, the history of other amniotes, high-resolution X-ray computed tomography, CT scanner, DigiMorph, informatics
	Stephen C Ruppel Mudrock systems sedimentology, stratigraphy, and rock attributes; Paleozoic depositional systems and basin analysis; carbonate reservoir characterization; conodont biostratigraphy and 87Sr/86Sr chemostratigraphy, carbonate sedimentology and geochemistry
	Chris Sagebiel
	Aaron Satkoski
	Steffen Saustrup Seismic data acquisition and processing, Focus and SIOSEIS processing and oversight, set-up and maintenance of Geoframe interpretation projects, field technical support; installation and operation of UTIG hi-res seismic system.
	Alexandros Savvaidis
	Kutalmis Saylam
	Bridget R Scanlon Evaluation of the impact of climate variability and land use change on groundwater recharge, application of numerical models for simulating variably saturated flow and transport, controls on nitrate contamination in aquifers
	Mrinal K Sen Seismic wave propagation including anisotropy, geophysical inverse problems, earthquakes and earth structure, applied seismology, petroleum exploration including 4D seismology
	Muhammad J Shaikh High resolution modeling; land-atmospheric interactions; carbon-nitrogen cycles in climate models; and climate data analysis.
	Timothy M Shanahan Paleoclimatology, paleoceanography, paleolimnology, sedimentary geology and geochemistry, organic geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, compound-specific stable isotope analysis
	Yi Jin Shi
	Matthew R Shirley
	Sara D Sieberath
	James E Sivil
	David C Smith
	Douglas Smith Research on mantle evolution using tools of mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry.
	Rebecca C Smyth Current: Design and oversight of monitoring for CO2 at geologic sequestration sites; hydrogeologic characterization of industrial sites where subsurface materials and groundwater have been contaminated or have the potential of becoming contaminated, including environmental assessment of sites impacted by petroleum exploration and production activities. Past: Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping, and hydrogeology of ash-flow tuffs,
	John W Snedden Sequence Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, Reservoir Development and Connectivity, Petroleum Geoscience
	Krista M Soderlund Astrobiology, Cryosphere, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Magnetohydrodynamics, Planetary Science
	Cole M Speed
	Kyle T Spikes Exploration Geophysics, in particular rock physics applications and seismic inversion techniques for reservoir characterization.
	Ronald J Steel Dr. Steel's research is aimed at using clastic sedimentology to address problems in basin analysis, dynamic stratigraphy and clastic reservoirs. I am particularly interested to decipher the signatures of tectonics, climate, sea level change and sediment supply in stratigraphic successions.
	Lindsay A Stephens
	James B Stevens
	Margaret S Stevens
	Michelle Stocker I am a vertebrate paleontologist who examines questions about the evolution of tetrapods within an explicitly phylogenetic framework. I have interests in comparative anatomy and osteology of tetrapods, biostratigraphy and biochronology, and macroevolution. I am interested in how a cladistic framework modifies our secondary inferences, such as the use of vertebrates for biochronology or our understanding of paleobiogeographic patterns, in the fossil record. I explore the acquisition of the modern fauna through extinction and diversification events in multiple, well-sampled time periods; my dissertation research focuses on the Late Triassic and the Middle Eocene. I examine these issues mainly with two taxonomic groups - phytosaurs and amphisbaenians. I use CT and traditional dissection of extant animals to understand skeletal anatomy and osteological correlates in fossil specimens.
	Daniel Stockli Thermo-/Geochronology, Tectonics and Structural Geology, Isotopic Provenance Analysis, Archeometry, Geothermal Exploration, and Thermal Maturation
	Lisa D Stockli U-Pb Geochronology and trace element analysis by LA-ICP-MS; TIMS and SIMS techniques;
	Lori Summa
	Alex Sun Subjects: Carbon sequestration, hydrological modeling, computational geoscience, fracture/fault modeling Skill sets: Geostatistical modeling, inversion and optimization algorithms, numerical modeling, web-based decision support systems Programming: Matlab, Python, Fortran, C, ArcGIS
	Zoltan Sylvester
	Frederick W Taylor Tectonic geomorphology, stratigraphy, and paleogeodesy/paleoseismology at convergent plate margins Paleoclimate, fossil corals as a proxy for past sea-surface temperatures. Corals as recorders of relative sea level for vertical tectonics and sea-level history.
	Carla M Thomas
	Scott W Tinker Global energy supply and demand, Technology Administration, Multidisciplinary reservoir characterization, Carbonate sedimentology, Sequence stratigraphy, 3-D reservoir modeling, Resource assessment.
	Nicola Tisato Experimental rock physics and rock mechanics. Digital Rock Physics. Speleology. Seismic wave attenuation, Physical properties of rocks, Wave-Induced-Phenomena, Genesis of caves and speleothems, Reservoir characterization, Nuclear waste management.
	Ramon Trevino Sequence stratigraphic interpretations (well logs, 3-D seismic), integrated reservoir characterization, subsurface correlation and mapping (using workstation and PC) and subsurface structural interpretation (using 3-D seismic), project management, CO2 sequestration
	Benjamin Treweek
	Ronald S Tykoski
	Estibalitz Ukar Fracture analysis and structural diagenesis Brittle structural petrology Fractured carbonate rocks Tectonics and metamorphism of subduction zones
	Harm J Van Avendonk Van Avendonk is an active-source seismologist who specializes in the acquisition and inversion of seismic refraction data on land and at sea. Often these seismic refraction data are used for a tomographic inversion. The resultant seismic velocity models help us to interpret the composition of the Earth’s crust and mantle, the geometry of sedimentary basins, and the structure of plate boundaries.
	Jonathan W Virdell
	Jason Visser
	Edward "Ned" K Vizy climate dynamics, atmospheric dynamics, climate change, extreme weather events, climate system modeling, hurricanes, paleoclimate, mesoscale modeling
	Deborah E Wagner
	Laura Wallace Crustal deformation, GPS/Geodesy, active plate boundary processes, subduction tectonics, geohazards
	Sarah Werning
	James A Westgate
	Timothy L Whiteaker Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in water resources engineering; hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality modeling; scientific information management; bringing water resources engineering solutions to end users by developing Web and desktop applications.
	Steven L Wick
	Clark R Wilson Geophysics, including gravity, space geodesy, and applied seismology
	Brad Wolaver
	Charles M Woodruff
	Qian Yang
	Zong-Liang Yang Dr. Yang's primary research interest is to understand the exchanges of momentum, radiation, heat, water, carbon dioxide, and other materials between the atmosphere and the Earth surface spanning from small (short) to very large (long) scales. This includes analysis of in-situ and remotely-sensed data for the Earth's surface, and modeling studies of weather, climate and hydrology at local, regional and global scales.
	Joseph Yeh
	Kehua You Methane Hydrate, Hydrogeology, Flow and Transport in Porous Media, Analytical and Numerical Modeling
	Bissett E Young
	Duncan A Young Ice-rock physical interactions in an ice cap context, tectonic evolution of the younger planetary crusts
	Michael H Young Ecohydrology of arid and semiarid landscapes; groundwater recharge in both managed agriculture and natural (arid and semi-arid) systems; influence of soil structure and vegetation on water cycling; design and implementation of monitoring systems for above-ground and near-surface below ground environments.
	Inessa Yurchenko
	Christopher K Zahm Reservoir characterization, flow modeling in fractured reservoirs, porosity-permeability evolution
	Hongliu Zeng Seismic sedimentology; seismic geomorphology; seismic and sequence stratigraphy; Characterization of thin-bed reservoirs; seismic chrono-stratgraphy
	Tongwei Zhang Gas geochemistry and isotope geochemistry; Petroleum and gas generation kinetics and basin modeling; Fluid transport processes in basins and reservoirs; Organic-inorganic interactions; Unconventional gas reservoir characterization; CO2 sequestration and H2S risk prediction.