Solid Earth & Tectonic Processes

Thorsten Becker

mantle convection; plate tectonics; structural seismology; numerical modeling; earthquakes; fluid dynamics

Kenneth S Befus

Volcanology, igneous petrology, mineralogy, gemology

Elizabeth J Catlos

tectonics, Geochronology, petrology, earthquakes, Geohazards, Critical minerals

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

Brian K Horton

Tectonics of sedimentary basins, evolution of orogenic systems, sediment provenance and routing systems, nonmarine depositional processes.

Marek Locmelis

Critical minerals, economic geology, ore deposits, empirical and conceptual exploration targeting, translithospheric mass transfer, ethical and sustainable mining

Shujuan Mao

Environmental seismology, Hydrogeophysics, Geothermal energy, Carbon sequestration, Critical-zone processes, Time-lapse imaging, Ambient seismic field, 4D seismology

Craig Martin

Field-based Structural Geology; Paleomagnetism; Plate Reconstruction; U-Pb Zircon Geochronology; Orogenic Systems; Planetary Geology

Demian M Saffer

Active tectonics, fault/sediment mechanics, geohydrology.

Mrinal K Sen

Seismic wave propagation including anisotropy, geophysical inverse problems, earthquakes and earth structure, applied seismology, petroleum exploration including 4D seismology

Danny Stockli

Thermo-/Geochronology, Tectonics and Structural Geology, Isotopic Provenance Analysis, Archeometry, Geothermal Exploration, Thermal Maturation

Chenguang Sun

Deep volatile cycling; magmatic and metamorphic processes; planetary differentiation and habitability

Nicola Tisato

Rock Physics, rock mechanics, reservoir characterization

Taiyi Wang

Fault mechanics, seismic source theory, caldera collapse, volcano geodesy

James A Austin, Jr

Nathan L Bangs

processing, inversion, tectonics, Stratigraphy, and modeling

David C Bolton

Earthquakes,Fault Mechanics, Rock Deformation, Ultrasonic Monitoring

Seth Busetti

Structure and geomechanics, induced seismicity, computational modeling

Naïm A Celini

Yangkang Chen

Seismic modeling, earthquakes, seismic processing

Xuesong Ding

Basin stratigraphic modeling; Landscape evolution modeling; Tectonic geomorphology;

Peter Eichhubl

Fault and fracture mechanics, reservoir geomechanics, diagenesis and low-temperature geochemistry, induced seismicity/fault slip, subsurface hydrogen storage, geothermal systems, Fracture Mechanics, geomechanics, diagenesis, geochemistry, Fluid flow, heat transfer, induced seismicity

Brent Elliott

Andras Fall

Fluids in diagenetic and hydrothermal systems, Fluid inclusions, Fractures, Structural diagenesis

Mahdi Haddad

geomechanics of induced seismicity, smoothed particle hydrodynamics methods, geomechanics, induced seismicity, numerical simulation, Fluid Dynamics

Shuoshuo Han

tectonics

Peter H Hennings

structural geology, geomechanics, reservoir characterization, Fluid flow, induced seismicity

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

Zhe Jia

Seismology, Computational Geophysics, Bayesian Inference, Inversion, Deep Learning

Maria-Aikaterini Nikolinakou

geotechnical engineering, geomechanics, Salt tectonics, numerical modeling

Alexandros Savvaidis

Seismology, Geophysics, earthquakes, induced seismicity, modeling, data acquisition

Krista M Soderlund

Astrobiology, Cryosphere, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Magnetohydrodynamics, Planetary Science

James O Thompson

Wildfires, Volcanology, Remote Sensing, Thermodynamics of Geological Processes, Infrared Spectroscopy, Geohazards and Surface Geology, Multi-scale Land Surface Modeling

Estibalitz Ukar (Theme Lead)

Fracture analysis and structural diagenesis
Brittle structural petrology
Fractured carbonate rocks
Tectonics and metamorphism of subduction zones

Laura Wallace

Crustal deformation, GPS/Geodesy, active plate boundary processes, subduction tectonics, geohazards

Staci L Loewy

Athma R Bhandari

Experimental rock mechanics, Geotechnical laboratory testing, Digital-image-based deformation measurements, numerical modeling

Alejandro Cardona

Kitty L Milliken

Petrography and geochemistry of siliciclastic rocks; diagenesis; electron microbeam methods: X-ray mapping, cathodoluminescence imaging; micro-scale reservoir characterization

Sara Elliott

Staci L Loewy

Robert M Reed

Microstructural analysis of rocks

Lisa D Stockli

Geochronology, trace element

Lijing Yao

William D Carlson

high-resolution x-ray computed tomography

Stephen P Grand

Seismic imaging of Earth's mantle, tomography, dynamics of flow in the mantle, regional seismic studies

Mark A Helper

Metamorphic petrology, structural geology, tectonics, Antarctica, curriculum

Lawrence A Lawver

Marine geophysics, plate tectonics, magnetics, gravity, heat flow, seismic studies, paleogeographic reconstructions of Gondwana, the Polar Regions, East Asia, the Western Pacific

Sharon Mosher

Structural petrology, field-oriented structural geology, strain analysis, deformation mechanisms, petrology, structural geology

Timothy B Rowe

Vertebrate paleontology, phylogenetic systematics, high-resolution X-ray computed tomography, CT scanner, DigiMorph, informatics

Douglas Smith

Research on mantle evolution using tools of mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry

Paul L Stoffa

Multichannel seismic acquisition, signal processing, acoustic and elastic wave propagation, modeling and inversion of geophysical data

Robert H Tatham

Frederick W Taylor, Jr

tectonic geomorphology, Stratigraphy, Paleoclimate

Duyi Li

Chase J. Shyu

Mitchell Baird

Gavin Blanchard

plate tectonics

Saisha Brody

geochemistry

Tori Burnette

Amanda Z Calle

Geochronology

McKenzie Carlson

earthquakes, Geodesy, Fault Mechanics, natural hazards

Anthony Chiasson

tectonics

Max Ehrenfels

tectonics

Nicole Ferrie

Paleoclimate, earthquakes, Metamorphic petrology

Xiang He

Mohammad T Khitam

Junpeng Li

Emma Martin

Marine Geosciences, seismic imaging, tectonics

Adrianna Martinez

Critical minerals

Joshua Munro

Claudiu Nistor

tectonics, trace element, geochemistry

Holiday R O’Bryan

Planetary Science, Critical minerals

Hongrui Peng

derive more information (e.g, Attenuation, dv/v, Body wave, Higher-modes) from it, Seismology, tectonics

Isaac Rangel-Landeros

Huiwen Sun

tectonics, earthquakes, numerical models

Starla Toto

Nicolaas Wooters

Students/postdocs on ML/AI-based earthquake data analysis

I am looking for self-motivated graduate students and postdocs who are interested in research on advanced earthquake data analysis using ML/AL.

Ph.D. Opportunities in Environmental Seismology and Energy Transition

My research group "Seismo4D" is actively looking for PhD students and postdocs. Please email me if you're interested.

Our group applies 4D seismology to understand Earth's physical processes associated with climate change and energy transition. Potential research topics focus on fluid/vapor systems in Earth's shallow subsurface, including hydrological processes, geothermal energy exploitation, critical zones, and volcanic unrest. Students in our group will develop and employ cutting-edge seismic techniques (such as passive seismic interferometry and time-lapse imaging) to study the spatiotemporal evolution and physical mechanisms of subsurface processes.

Mantle and Fault System Dynamics Graduate Research

The UT Geodynamics Team is always looking for motivated graduate and undergraduate students.

The University of Texas at Austin hosts an exciting community of researchers at the Jackson School of Geoscience, which includes the UTIG and EPS units. and the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, the three of which I am affiliated.

We are always looking for motivated students with a keen interest and solid background in the Earth sciences, physics, engineering, or computer science. Please take a look at some of our recent publications to give you an idea of current projects, but I like to work with students who think and work independently and challenge and extend my expertise and interests.

Please consider applying for our program should you be interested in pursuing a PhD in my research group, and see the JSG pages for admission procedures. The (important) Fellowship deadline is December 1 each year. If you think this could be a match, please do reach out by email.

MTMOD Megathrust modeling framework

Various summer projects and undergraduate research opportunities

Geomechanics and Geofluids Research Jobs for Undergrads

Do you want to study the Earth while learning the ins-and-outs of cutting-edge laboratory equipment, from maintenance to experiment design? UT GeoMechanics and GeoFluids investigates fluid flow and deformation in Earth materials using lab experiments, field work, and computer modeling.

We seek hard-working and detail-oriented students with a passion for learning. You will assist with ongoing projects: offshoots could lead to your senior thesis.

Tasks will include everything from the routine to the experimentally complex. You will work independently or with staff and researchers on experimental setup, equipment maintenance, laboratory clean up, sample preparation, data analysis, and a host of other tasks.

For more information contact Josh O'Connell.

Learn more about our research projects at UT GeoMechanics and GeoFluids.

PhD opportunity in Subduction Zone Seafloor Geodesy and Megathrust Processes

We are currently seeking a PhD student to join the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) and Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences in the Jackson School of Geosciences, at The University of Texas at Austin. This NSF-funded project focuses on the analysis of data from borehole observatories installed at the offshore Hikurangi subduction zone in New Zealand, to investigate slow slip event processes on the plate boundary. The student working on this project will have the opportunity to collaborate with a broad team of principal investigators, postdocs and students addressing the interplay between hydrological, geochemical, and deformation processes and their relationship to earthquake and slow slip occurrence at subduction zones. The student will also have opportunities to participate in seagoing research voyages, and be part of a vibrant subduction geophysics and geomechanics research program at UTIG that includes deep expertise in marine geophysics, seafloor geodesy, numerical modeling, laboratory experimentation, geomechanics, fault geology, and ocean drilling.

For information please contact Laura Wallace (lwallace@utexas.edu) and Demian Saffer (demian.saffer@austin.utexas,edu).
 
All applications must be submitted by the appropriate deadline (December 1st 2022 for priority and fellowship consideration, and January 1st for all applications). See https://gradschool.utexas.edu/admissions/how-to-apply.  More information about the application process can be found at The University of Texas at Austin, Jackson School of Geosciences admissions portal: http://www.jsg.utexas.edu/education/graduate/admissions/.

For additional information concerning the application process, contact the Jackson School of Geosciences graduate Program Coordinator, Philip Guerrero: philipg@jsg.utexas.edu.

Ph.D. Project Greece - Petrochronology and tectonic evolution of the Cycladic Blueschist Complex (University of Texas at Austin)

Ph.D. project available in the Stockli Research Group and UTChron Laboratory of the Dept of Earth and Planetary Sciences (https://eps.jsg.utexas.edu/) at the Jackson School of Geosciences (https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/) of The University of Texas at Austin. The project focuses on the tectonic and metamorphic evolution of the Cycladic Blueschist Complex in central and northern Greece to constrain the tectonic and metamorphic evolution of one of the world's best-exposed subduction complexes. The project entails field mapping and structural analysis with strong emphasis on accessory mineral (zircon, apatite, titanite) LA-ICP-MS petrochronology, microanalytical mineral imaging and elemental and isotopic mapping, and low-temperature (U-Th)/He thermochronometry of the Cycladic Blueschist Complex in central and north-eastern Greece with the goal of constraining the pre-subduction, subduction, and exhumation history of Cycladic blueschists and understanding subduction underplating within the Hellenic subduction complex. The project is a collaboration with the University of Athens (Prof. Soukis) and we are seek an outstanding, motivated, and independent PhD student with interested in combining field and cutting-edge laboratory work.

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Daniel Stockli with any inquiries and questions regarding the project or application procedures. For more information regarding the Stockli Research Group (https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/stockli-group/), the UTChron Laboratory (https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/utchron-lab/) please see these website links.

Applications are due January 1, 2024, and information about applying to our program is online using the online application from the Graduate School of the University of Texas at Austin. Applications must be complete in the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) by the appropriate deadline. ALL ITEMS must be received by the deadline. We no longer require submission of a GRE score for the application for the Fall of 2024, however, international applicants do require submission of TOEFL scores.

For general admissions questions, please see https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/education/graduate/admissions/

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the most diverse campuses in the nation. With nearly 52,000 students from all 50 states and 123 countries, we take seriously our motto: What Starts Here Changes the World. We boast 18 colleges and schools with over 300 degree programs, representing a diversity of thought and scholarship that is staggering. The Dept. of Geological Sciences at UT seeks to foster an environment where faculty, students, and staff feel valued and welcome.

Graduate student positions in geomechanics and geofluids

The GeoMechanics and GeoFluids research group has immediate opportunities for graduate and postdoctoral study. Drs. Saffer and Flemings are most enthused by students who have a commitment to a doctoral program because that allows time to delve deeply into research. However, we also regularly accept exceptional M.S. students into our research group. If you are interested, please email Demian Saffer (demian@ig.utexas.edu) or Peter Flemings (pflemings@jsg.utexas.edu).

Browse opportunities and learn more about our research group at UT GeoMechanics and GeoFluids.

Graduate Student Position in Mineral Physics Lab

The mineral physics lab at the Department of Geological Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences, the University of Texas at Austin invites applications for graduate student positions towards a Master's or Ph.D. degree in mineral physics. The Jackson School of Geosciences has exceptionally well-funded research programs and offers a number of scholarships to support graduate students for an extended period of time. Candidates with strong background and/or interest in physics (solid state physics), math, and geophysics/geochemistry are strongly encouraged to apply. Our mineral physics research programs focuses on high pressure-temperature experimental studies on materials properties using synchrotron X-ray and optical spectroscopies in a diamond anvil cell. Information about the graduate student programs at the Jackson School is available at: http://www.jsg.utexas.edu/.
Please contact Dr. Jung-Fu Lin at afu@jsg.utexas.edu for further information.

Innovative Detrital Provenance Studies - Double Dating PLUS

A major thrust of my current research the development and application of more comprehensive isotopic detrital provenance tools. U-Pb on zircon is clearly the big work horse, but only goes so far and sometimes yields "no" useful info, e.g., if the source of the sediment is mostly recycled sediment. We have extensively pursued double dating of zircons by U-Pb and He, as zircon He ages yield very interesting insights into the thermal and tectonic history of the source terrane; often yielding very different insights than crystallization ages. The combination is powerful, but I think we can take things so much farther by combining double dating with other constrains. People have tried fission track (not precise enough), Hf/Hf (to get mantle separation model ages), etc., but what we want to do and are working on is really Double Dating ++, combining zircon U-Pb-He dating with a variety of other geochemical aspects to more comprehensive understand detrital provenance and improve paleo-tectonic reconstructions. For example, trace-element thermometry (Ti in zirc), REE on zircon (met vs mag origin), Hf/Hf (see above), oxygen isotopes, etc. and also to develop rutile in an analogous manner (e.g., Zr in rut thermometry, Cr/Nb ratio (mafic vs granulitic), REE, etc.). The sky is the limit and what can learn so much. The issue in part it, how much can a single grain tell us before it's gone? The project sounds very laboratory oriented, but it's really a combination of field and lab work. We have identified a few possible case study areas, e.g., Morocco; great exposures, long-lived and preserved record of basin deposition since the Precambrian. My group is already working on some case studies in NW Himalayas, the N & S Pyrenees, the Sevier FTB, Permian Basin and other foreland basin. New projects include provenance studies along rifted and passive continental margins such the Gulf of Mexico, the central Atlantic Margins in Canada, USA, Portugal, and Morocco.

Laser ablation (U-Th)/He and 4He/3He dating of zircon and apatite

Seeking motivated Ph.D. students interested in noble gas geo-thermochronology and geochemistry to pursue project in method development and application of laser ablation (U-Th)/He dating and depth profile 4He/3He thermochronometry of zircon and apatite. Our laboratory has a dedicated noble gas extraction line with a SFT magnetic sector noble gas mass spectrometer and dedicated Excimer Laser. The lab also houses two Element2 magnetic sector single collector ICP-MS instruments with a second Excimer laser as well as a state-of-the-art Bruker optical interferometric microscope. The project will develop laser ablation methodology to recover detailed thermal histories from apatite and zircon by laser ablation (U-Th)/He and 4He/3He dating as well as comparison to step-heating fractional loss experiments.

LA-ICP-MS single-pule U-Pb depth profiling recovery of thermal histories

Seeking motivated Ph.D. students interested in in-situ geochronology to pursue project in method development and application of laser ablation continuous mode or single-pulse U-Pb LA-ICP-MS geo-thermochronology as well as trace element speedometry to constrain thermal history or lower and middle crustal rocks. The UTChron Geo- and Thermochronometry laboratory houses two Element2 magnetic sector single collector ICP-MS instruments with a large-volume cell Excimer laser system, ideally suited for depth profiling and U-Pb and trace element split stream analysis. The laboratory also houses a Bruker optical interferometric microscope to control laser ablation rates as well as a Raman system. The focus of applications is on method development and application to the exhumation of middle and lower crustal rocks in rifted margin settings.

PhD/MS opportunities

My group welcomes new students with strong motivations on understanding how solid Earth and planets operate and its impacts on shaping habitable surface environments. Prospective students are expected to have a STEM background. If these describe you, feel free to contact me through email for position openings in my group.

Student Opportunities

I am always interested in adding motivated new students to my Earthquake Science research team in the Jackson School. For prospective graduate students, please review the application guidelines and expectations listed on the Jackson School website (see orange link above). We do not accept "off track" admissions in the Jackson School, so the standard Fall application season is your best bet. I strongly encourage prospective students to reach out to me via email during this time with your CV and research interests. I highly value diversity in thought and experience, and students from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Center for Injection Seismicity Research

TexNet Seismic Monitoring Program

Fracture Research and Application Consortium

High-Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography Facility

Structural Diagenesis Initiative

Texas Consortium for Computational Seismology