Marc J. Defant
Tenured Professor
Department of Geology
University of South Florida
Birthdate: August 28, 1951
Birthplace: Niles, Michigan USA
Married, three children
Books
Defant, M. J., 2023, Voyage of Discovery: From the Big Bang to the Ice Age: Tindle and Kern Publishing Co., Second Edition, 761p.
Defant, M. J., 1998, Voyage of Discovery: From the Big Bang to the Ice Age: Mancorp Publishing, Tampa, FL, 314p.
Refereed Articles
Defant, M. J., 2024, Is AI a Threat?: Skeptic, v. 29 (1), p. 6- 12.
Defant, M. J., 2023, The Future of Energy and Our Climate: Fracking, Renewables, or Nuclear?: Skeptic, v. 28 (2), p. 17-24
Defant, M. J., 2023, Alternative Histories that Really Aren’t: A review of Graham Hancock’s Netflix series Ancient Apocalypse: Skeptic, v. 28 (1), p. 40-50.
Defant, M. J., 2017, When Science Becomes the Enemy: Skeptic, v. 22, p. 42-48.
Defant, M. J., 2017, Conjuring Up a Lost Civilization: An Analysis of the Claims made by Graham Hancock in Magicians of the Gods: Skeptic, v. 22 (3), p. 32- 41.
Defant, M. J., 2017, Science and subjectivity: Selecting college football teams as a case study: Skeptic, v. 22 (1), p. 46-49.
Vannucci, R., Tiepolo, M., Defant, M. J., and Kepezhinskas, 2007, The metasomatic record in the shallow peridotite mantle beneath Grenada (Lesser Antilles arc): Lithos, v. 99, p. 25-44
McDermott, F., Defant, M. J., Turner, S., and Maury, R., 2005, The petrogenesis of volcanics from Mt. Bulusan and Mt. Mayon in the Bicol arc, the Philippines: Contrib. Mineral. Petrol., v. 150, p. 652-670.
Widom, E., Kepezhinskas, P., and Defant, M. J., 2003, The nature of metasomatism in the sub-arc mantle wedge: evidence from Re-Os isotopes in Kamchatka peridotite xenoliths: Chem. Geol., v. 196, p. 283-306.
Kepezhinskas, P., Defant, M. J., and Widom, E., 2002, Abundance and distribution of PGE and Au in the island-arc mantle: implications for sub-arc metasomatism: Lithos, v. 60, p. 113-128.
Xu, J.-F., Shinjo, R., Defant, M. J., and Wang, Q., 2002, Origin of Mesozoic adakitic intrusive rocks in the Ningzhen area of east China: Partial melting of delaminated lower continental crust?: Geol., v. 30, p. 1111-1114.
Defant, M. J. and Kepezhinskas, P., 2002, Reply to Comment by P. Conrey on Evidence suggests slab melting in arc magmas: EOS, v. 83.
Defant, M. J., Kepezhinskas, P., Xu, J.-F., and Xiao, L., 2002, Adakites: Some variations on a theme: Acta Petrologica Sinica, v. 18, p. 129-142.
Defant, M. J. and Kepezhinskas, P., 2001, Evidence suggests slab melting in arc magmas: EOS (INVITED), v. 82, p. 65-69.
Kepezhinskas, P. and Defant, M. J., 2001, Nonchondritic Pt/Pd ratios in arc mantle xenoliths: Evidence or platinum enrichment in depleted island-arc mantle sources: Geol., v. 29, p. 851-854.
Defant, M. J., Sherman, S., Maury, R. C., Bellon, H., de Boer, J., Davidson, J., and Kepezhinskas, K., 2001, The geology, petrology, and petrogenesis of Saba Island, Lesser Antilles: J. Volcanology. Geothermal Res., v. 107, p. 87-111.
Tomascak, P. B., Ryan, J. G., and Defant, M. J., 2000, Lithium isotopes and light elements depict incremental slab contribution to the sub-arc mantle in Panama: Geol., v. 28, p. 507-510.
Maury, R., Defant, M. J., Bellon, H., Jacques, D., Joron, J.-L., McDermott, F., and Vidal, P., 1998, Temporal geochemical trends in northern Luzon arc lavas (Philippines): implications on metasomatic processes in the island arc mantle: Bull. Soc. Géol. France, v. 169, p. 69-80.
Kepezhinskas, P. K., McDermott, F., Defant, M. J., Hochstaedter, F. G., Drummond, M. S., Hawkesworth, C. J., Koloskov, A., Maury, R. C., and Bellon, H., 1997, Trace element and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic constraints on a three-component model of Kamchatka arc petrogenesis: Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, v. 61, p. 577-600
Maury, R. C., Sajona, F. G., Pubellier, M., Bellon, H., et Defant, M. J., 1996, Fusion de la croûte océanique dans les zones de subduction/collision récentes: l’example de Mindanao (Philippines): Bull. Soc. Géol. France, v. 167, p. 579-595.
Sajona, F. G., Maury, R. C., Bellon, H., Cotton, J., and Defant, M. J., 1996, High field strength element enrichment of Pliocene-Pleistocene island arc basalts, Zamboanga Peninsula, Western Mindanao (Philippines): J. Petrol., v. 37, p. 693-726.
Drummond, M. S., Defant, M. J., and Kepezhinskas, P. K., 1996, Petrogenesis of slab-derived trondhjemite-tonalite-dacite/adakite magmas: In Brown et al., eds., Origin of Granites and Related Rocks, The Third Hutton Symposium, The Royal Soc. Edinburgh Special, Special Paper 315, p. 205-215.
Kepezhinskas, P. K. and Defant, M. J., 1996, Contrasting styles of mantle metasomatism above subduction zones: Constraints from ultramafic xenoliths in Kamchatka: In Bebout, G. et al., eds., Subduction Top to Bottom: AGU Geophysical Monograph Monograph Series 96, p. 307-314.
Kepezhinskas, P., Defant, M. J., and Drummond, M. S., 1996, Progressive enrichment of island arc mantle by melt-peridotite interaction inferred from Kamchatka xenoliths: Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, v. 60, p. 1217-1229.
Hochstaedter, A., Kepezhinskas, P., Defant, Drummond, M. S., and Koloskov, A., 1996, Insights into the volcanic arc mantle wedge from magnesian lavas from the Kamchatka arc: J. Geophys.Res, v. 101, p. 697-712.
Kepezhinskas, P. K., Defant, M. J., and Drummond, M. S., 1995, Na metasomatism in the island-arc mantle by slab melt-peridotite interaction: Evidence from mantle xenoliths in the north Kamchatka arc, Russia: J. Petrol., v. 36, p. 1505-1527.
Drummond, M. S., Bordelon, M., de Boer, J. Z., Defant, M. J., Bellon, H., and Feigenson, M. D., 1995, Igneous petrogenesis and tectonic setting of plutonic and volcanic rocks of the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica-Panama, Central American arc: Am. J. Sci., v. 295, p.875-919.
Maury, R. C., Defant, M. J., Bellon, H., de Boer, J. Z., Stewart, R. H., and Cotten, J., 1995, Early Tertiary arc volcanics from eastern Panama: In Mann, P., ed., Geologic and Tectonic Development of the Caribbean Plate Boundary in Southern Central America, Geol. Soc. Am. Special Pap, 295, p. 29-34.
de Boer, J. Z., Drummond, M. S., Borderlon, M., Defant, M. J., Bellon, H., and Maury, R. C., 1995, Cenozoic magmatic phases of the Costa Rican island arc (Cordillera de Talamanca): In Mann, P., ed., Geologic and Tectonic Development of the Caribbean Plate Boundary in Southern Central America, Geol. Soc. Am. Special Pap, 295, p. 35-56.
Francalanci, L., Varekamp, J. C., Vougioukalakis, G., Defant, M. J., Innocenti, F., and Manetti, P., 1995, Crystal retention, fractionation and crustal assimilation in a convecting magma chamber, Nisyros Volcano, Greece: Bull. Volcanology, v. 56, p. 601-620.
Defant, M. J. and Drummond, M. S., 1994, Reply to Comment by Green and Dawes on Mount St. Helens: Potential Example of the Partial Melting of the Subducted Lithosphere in a Volcanic Arc: Geol., v. 22, p. 189-190.
Fourcade, S., Maury, R. C., Defant, M. J., and McDermott, F., 1994, Mantle metasomatic enrichment versus arc crust contamination in the Philippines: Oxygen isotope study of the Batan ultramafic nodules and northern Luzon lavas: Chem. Geol., v. 114, p. 199-215.
Hochstaedter, A. G., Kepezhinskas, P. K., Drummond, M. S., Defant, M. J., and Bellon, H., 1994, On the tectonic significance of arc volcanism in northern Kamchatka, Russia: J. Geol, v. 102, p. 639-654.
Delfin, F. G., Panem-Conrado, C., and Defant, M. J., 1993, Eruptive history and petrochemistry of the Bulusan volcanic complex; implications for the hydrothermal system and volcanic hazards of Mt. Bulusan, Philippines: Geothermics, v. 22, p. 417-434.
Sajona, F. G., Maury, R. C., Bellon, H., Cotten, J., Defant, M. J., and Pubellier, M., 1993, Initiation of subduction and the generation of slab melts in western and eastern Mindanao (Philippines): Geol., v. 21, p. 1007-1010.
Defant, M. J. and Drummond, M. S., 1993, Mount St. Helens: Potential example of the partial melting of the subducted lithosphere in a volcanic arc: Geol., v.21, p. 547-550.
McDermott, F., Defant, M. J., Hawkesworth, C. J., Maury, R. C., and Joron, J.-L., 1993, Isotope and trace element evidence for three component mixing in the genesis of the North Luzon arc lavas (Philippines): Contrib. Mineral. Petrol., v. 113, p. 9-23.
Kepezhinskas, P., Defant, M. J., and Drummond, M. S., 1993, Geochemistry of primitive andesites from north Kamchatka arc: Implications for lithospheric evolution: Geokhimiya (in Russian), no. 9.
Maury, R. C., Defant, M. J., and Joron, J.-L., 1992, Metasomatism of the sub-arc mantle inferred from trace elements in Philippine xenoliths: Nature, v. 360, p. 661-663.
Defant, M. J., Jackson, T. E., Drummond, M. S., de Boer, J. Z., Bellon, H., Feigenson, M. D., and Stewart, R. H., 1992, The geochemistry of recent volcanism throughout western Panama and southeastern Costa Rica: An overview: J. Geol. Soc. Lond., v. 149, p. 569-579.
Defant, M. J., Richerson, P. M., de Boer, J. Z., Stewart, R. H., Maury, R. C., Bellon, H., Drummond, M. S., Feigenson, M. D., and Jackson, T. E., 1991, Dacite genesis via both differentiation and slab melting: Petrogenesis of La Yeguada volcanic complex, Panama: J. Petrol., v. 32, p. 1101-1142.
de Boer, J. Z., Defant, M. J., Stewart, R. H., and Bellon, H., 1991, Evidence for active subduction below western Panama: Geol., v. 19, p. 649-652.
Defant, M. J. and Drummond, M. S., 1990, Derivation of some modern arc magmas by melting of young subducted lithosphere: Nature, v. 347, p. 662-665.
Defant, M. J., Maury, R. C., Ripley, E., Feigenson, M., and Jacques, D., 1991, An example of island arc petrogenesis: Geochemistry and petrology of the southern Luzon arc, the Philippines; J. Petrol, v. 32, p. 455-500.
Defant, M. J., Clark, L. F., Stewart, R. H., Drummond, M. S., de Boer, J. Z., Maury, R. C., Bellon, H., Jackson, T. E., and Restrepo, J. F., 1991, Andesite and dacite genesis via contrasting processes: the geology and geochemistry of El Valle Volcano, Panama: Contrib. Mineral. Petrol., v. 106, p. 309-324.
Drummond, M. S. and Defant, M. J., 1990, A model for trondhjemite-tonalite-dacite genesis and crustal growth via slab melting: J. Geophys. Res., v. 95, p. 21,503-21,521.
Defant, M.J., Maury, R.C., Joron, J.-L., Feigenson, M.D., Leterrier, J., Bellon, H., Jacques, D., and Richard, M., 1990, The geochemistry of the Northern Luzon, Babuyan, and Taiwan segments of the Luzon arc, Philippines: Tectonophys, v. 183, p. 187-205.
Defant, M.J. and Nielsen, R.L., 1990, Interpretation of open system petrogenetic processes: Phase equilibrium constraints on magma evolution: Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, v. 54, p. 87-102.
Forster, H., Oles, D., Knittel, U., Defant, M.J., and Torres, R.C., 1990, The Macolod Corridor: A rift crossing the Philippine island arc: Tectonophys, v. 183, p. 265-271.
Defant, M. J., Jacques, D., Maury, R. C. de Boer, J. Z., and Joron, J.-L., 1989, Geochemistry and tectonic setting of the Luzon arc, Philippines: Geol. Soc. Am. Bull, v. 101, p. 663-672.
Defant, M. J., de Boer, J. Z., and Oles, D., 1988, The western Central Luzon volcanic arc, the Philippines: Two arcs divided by rifting?: Tectonophys., v. 145, p. 305-317.
Defant, M. J., Drummond, M. S., Arthur, J. D., and Ragland, P.C., 1988, An example of trondhjemite genesis: The Blakes Ferry pluton, Randolph County, Alabama: Lithos, v. 21, p. 161-181.
Knittel, U., Defant, M. J., and Raczek, I., 1988, Recent enrichment in the source of Philippine arc magmas resulting in a heterogeneous mantle: Sr and Nd isotopic evidence: Geol., v. 16, p. 73-76.
Knittel, U. and Defant, M. J., 1988, Sr-isotopic and trace element variations in Oligocene to Recent igneous rocks from the Philippine island arc: Evidence for recent enrichment in the sub-Philippine mantle: Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., v. 87, p. 87-99.
Defant, M. J. and Ragland, P. C., 1988, Recognition of contrasting magmatic processes using SB-systematics: An example from the Central Luzon Arc, the Philippines: Chem. Geol., v. 67, p. 197-208.
de Boer, J. Z., Defant, M. J., Stewart, R. H., Restrepo, J. F., Clark, L., and Ramirez, A. H.,1988, Quaternary calc-alkaline volcanism in western Panama: Regional variation and implication for the plate tectonic framework: J. South Am. Earth Sci., v. 1, p. 275-293.
Defant, M. J., Drummond, M. S., Arthur, J. D., and Ragland, P. C., 1987, The petrogenesis of the Blakes Ferry Pluton, Randolph County Alabama: In, Drummond, M. S. and Green, N. L., eds., Granites of Alabama, Alabama Geol. Survey Bull. 29, p. 97-116.
Ragland, P. C. and Defant, M. J., 1983, Silica-standardization: a discriminate technique applied to a volcanic arc system: Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., v. 64, p. 387-395.
Extended Abstracts, Theses, Field Trip Guidebooks, and Non-Refereed Articles
Defant, M. J., 2003, Our perilous dependence on groundwater: World and I Magazine, v. 18, p. 144-151.
Defant, M. J., 2003, Waters roving ways: World and I Magazine, v. 18, p. 148-155.
Defant, M. J., 2002, How it works: Scramjet engines: Popular Science: v. 259, p. 89.
Defant, M. J., 2002, The making of a water wonderland: World and I Magazine, v. 17, p. 128-135.
Defant, M. J., 2002, Eternity in the rocks: World and I Magazine, v. 17, p. 144-151.
Widom, E., Kepezhinskas, P., and Defant, M. J., 2001, Metasomatic Processes in the Kamchatka Sub-Arc Mantle Wedge: Evidence from Re-Os Isotope Studies of Mantle Xenoliths, Nb-Enriched Arc Basalts, and Adakites: Eleventh Ann. V. M. Goldschmidt Conf., Extended Abstract (INVITED)
Defant, M. J., 2001, Ice over earth: World and I Magazine, v. 16, p. 146-155.
Kepezhinskas, P. and Defant, M. J., 2000, Slab melting, adakites and origin of gold and copper deposits in magmatic arcs: The Eroded Uralian Paleozoic Ocean to Continent Transition Zone: Granitoids and Related Ore Deposits, International Geol. Congress Program 373, p. 17-20, Extended Abstract (INVITED)
Defant, M. J., 2000, Origin of adakites keynote address (INVITED), Chinese Acad. of Sci., Beijing.
Kepezhinskas, P. and Defant, M. J., 1997, Subduction zone processes: Australian Geology Convention, Extended Abstract (INVITED)
Kepezhinskas, P., Defant, M. J., Baikov, A., and Osipenko, A., 1995, Diamonds in subduction zones: Evidence from the Kamchatka Arc: SUBCON: Subduction from Top to Bottom, Extended Abstract (INVITED).
Kepezhinskas, P. and Defant, M. J., 1995, Contrasting styles of mantle metasomatism in subduction zones: Constraints from ultramafic xenoliths in volcanic arcs: SUBCON: Subduction from Top to Bottom, Extended Abstract (INVITED).
Defant, M. J. and Kepezhinskas, K., 1993, Two types of metasomatism in the sub-arc mantle: Evidence from mantle xenoliths: In Sawyer, D. S., Magmatism and mass fluxes at plater margins: The MARGINS initiative, reports of three thematic workshops 1991-1993, p. 135-137.
Beard, J. S., Bergantz, G. W., Defant, M. J., and Drummond, M. S., 1993, Origin and emplacement of low-L silicic magmas in subduction settings: GSA Today, February, p. 38.
Defant, M. J., 1991, Forecasting volcanic eruptions: World and I Magazine cover story, v. 6., p. 282-289. I was commissioned to write this article for $600.
Defant, M. J., 1989, What started the ice age?: World and I Magazine, v. 4, p. 366-375. I was commissioned to write this article for $700.
Defant, M. J., 1989, The origin of petroleum: World and I Magazine, v. 4, p. 288-295. I received $700 for this assignment.
Knittel, M. J., Defant, M. J., and Maury, R., 1990, Along-strike geochemical variation in the Taiwan-Luzon arc: Pacific Rim Congress 90, Extended abstract, Australia, p. 208.
Defant, M. J., 1988, The mass extinction controversy: World and I Magazine, v. 3, p. 162-171. Received $800 for this assignment.
Knittel, U., Defant, M. J., and Raczek, I., 1987, Recent enrichment events in the sources of Philippine arc magmas: Sr and Nd isotopic evidence: Pacific Rim Congress 87, Extended abstract, Australia, p. 245-249.
Defant, M. J., Stewart, R. H., and Stewart, J. L., 1987, Lahars: World and I Magazine, v. 2, p. 183-192. Received $1,100 for this assignment.
Whittington, D., Guthrie, G. M., Defant, M. J., Drummond, M. S., and Allison, D., 1986, Mineral Resources of the Northern Alabama Piedmont: Southeastern Geol. Soc. Guidebook No. 27, 63 p.
Defant, M. J., 1985, The Potential Origin of the Potassium-Depth Relationship in the Bataan Orogene, the Philippines: Ph.D Thesis, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, 622 p.
Defant, M. J., 1980, A Geochemical and Petrogenetic Analysis of the Almond and Blakes Ferry Plutons, Randolph County, Alabama: M.S. Thesis, University of Alabama, 118 p.
Funding Received (Awards/Grants)
National Science Foundation – Collaborative Research: The Kamchatka terrane and its relationship to the development of the northwest Pacific: 1998, $78,000.
National Science Foundation – Collaborative Research: Temporal and spatial geochemical variations across the Kamchatka Arc: An evaluation of mantle and crustal contributions to arc magmatism: 1995, $100,000.
National Science Foundation – Structural, stratigraphic, and volcanic response of the Kamchatka arc to neogene shallow subduction of the Emperor Seamount Chain: 1994, $82,000.
National Science Foundation – Collaborative research: A textural, petrological, and chemical investigation of multi-stage histories recorded in mantle xenoliths from volcanic arcs: – 1993, $85,352.
National Academy of Sciences – Project Development Visits to Eastern Europe: 1993, $2,200.
National Science Foundation – Research Experiences for Undergraduates – 1992, $6,000,
National Science Foundation – Computer support for Russian colleague through the U.S.-U.S.S.R. cooperative program – 1992, $10,000.
National Science Foundation – Research Experiences for Undergraduates – 1992, $10,000.
National Science Foundation – Chemical recycling in subduction zones — Implications from B-Be-Li and Be isotope studies of forearc rocks: – 1992, Co-PI, $95,168.
National Science Foundation – Arc volcanism in Kamchatka, U.S.S.R., through both partial melting of the mantle wedge and subducted slab: A geochemical and tectonic approach – 1991, $71,000.
Academy of Sciences, U.S.S.R. – Arc volcanism in Kamchatka, U.S.S.R. – 1991, received funding for travel within the U.S.S.R. including helicopter and jeep travel in the field area and living expenses.
National Science Foundation – Research Experiences for Undergraduates – 1990, $15,000.
National Geographic Society – Documentation of the Eastern Panama volcanic arc: A Reconnaissance Study – 1989, $19,000.
National Science Foundation – The Geochemistry of Rocks from the Western Central Luzon Volcanic System, the Philippines – 1988, $50,354.
American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund – Structural Setting and Geochemistry of the Volcanic Complexes of Panama – 1987, $18,000.
Private Donation – The geology and geochemistry of Saba, Lesser Antilles – donated by Paul and Florett Eaton toward this endeavor with 50% matching funds from the university – 1989, $7,500.
Electrical Company of Panama (IHRE) – Have received field support from IHRE (two jeeps, gas, room and board, and guides) for our research on the volcanism. In return, we have agreed to supply them with our results which relate to their geothermal energy projects. They have supported us during the 1986, 1987, and 1988 field seasons.
University of South Florida Travel Grant – Travel funds to New Zealand to present a paper entitled Geochemistry and petrology of the western Philippine island arc: Potential origin of the potassium-depth relationship to the International Volcanological Congress – 1986, $1,000.
University of South Florida Faculty Research Grant – Large-Ion Lithophile Element Behavior Within the Aegean Arc: An Anomalous Relationship with Depth to the Benioff Zone – 1984, $5,000.
Florida State University Banks Award – Geochemistry and Petrology of Western Luzon, The Philippines – 1982, $300.
Geological Survey of Alabama – Geochemistry of the Almond and Blakes Ferry Plutons, Randolph County, Alabama – 1975, $1,000.
Professional Experience
1994 – 2023 Tenured Professor, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
1989 – 1993 Tenured Associate Professor, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
1984 – 1989 Assistant Professor, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
1983 – 1984 Visiting Assistant Professor, University South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
1980 – 1983 Instructor, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida – In fulfillment of a graduate assistantship.
1979 – 1980 Geological Engineer, Shell Oil Company, Houston, Texas.
1978 – 1979 Production Engineer, Shell Oil Company, Houston, Texas.
1977 – 1978 Logging Engineer, Schlumberger Well Services, New Iberia, Louisiana.
1977 – 1977 Instructor, Brewer State Junior College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
1973 – 1977 Curator of the Mineral Collection of the Museum of Natural History of the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
1973 – 1977 Lab Instructor, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama – In fulfillment of graduate assistantships in geology and chemistry.
1973 – 1973 Geological Assistant, Geological Survey of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Activities and Honors
Selected for the Millenium Edition of Who’s Who in America in Science and Engineering
Who’s Who in America in Science and Engineering (1999)
President’s Leadership Council – faculty representative (1996-1998)
Teaching Incentive Program Award (1994).
Research Board of Directors — University of South Florida (1993-1994).
Chairman of the University Research Council (1993-1994).
Faculty Senate (1993-1994).
Faculty Senate Executive Committee (1993-1994) – faculty advisory committee to the Provost and President.
Representative to the “Margins Planning Committee” – goal of this national committee is to attempt to obtain funding through the U.S. Congress to support work along both active and inactive continental margins (1993-1994).
Co-Chairman of Penrose Conference entitled “Origin and emplacement of low-K silicic magmas in subduction settings” held in Chelan, Washington (Sept., 1992).
Vice-Chairman of the University Research Council (1992-1993).
Co-Chairman of symposium on partial melting of basalt in subduction zones Am. Geophys. Union meeting in San Francisco (1990).
Vice-President – Southeastern Geological Society. In connection with this, I coordinated the Southeastern Geological Society field trip to the Northern Alabama Piedmont (1985).
Co-Chairman of symposium on the petrogenetic origin of trondhjemites in the southeastern Appalachians at Southeastern Geological Society of America meeting (1983).
Best Paper presented to the petrology section of Geological Society of America southeastern meeting (1981).
Best Graduate Paper presented at the Alabama Academy of Science meeting (1976).
Elected graduate representative to the faculty by the graduate body at Florida State University (1982).
Chosen for Outstanding Young Americans (1983).
Elected Vice-President of the Geology Club – University of Alabama (1975).
Course Instruction
Introduction to Physical Geology (online and in the classroom) – undergraduate.
Economic Mineral Deposits – undergraduate.
Environmental Geology – undergraduate.
Instrumentation Course – undergraduate.
Physical Science Honors Course – undergraduate.
Field Methods – undergraduate.
Geology of the National Parks – undergraduate.
Structural Geology – undergraduate.
Mineralogy and Petrology I – undergraduate.
Mineralogy and Petrology II – undergraduate.
Optical Mineralogy -undergraduate.
Geology Field Camp in New Mexico – undergraduate
Origins: From the Big Bang to the Ice Age (online and in the classroom) – undergraduate (many of the lectures are given on my channel on youtube.com
Learning Communities – undergraduate
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology – graduate.
Global Tectonics – graduate.
X-ray Fluorescence Analysis – graduate.
Physical Volcanology – graduate.
Igneous geochemistry and petrology – graduate
Island-arc petrology and geochemistry – graduate
Acquisition of Knowledge Honors Course – undergraduate
Invited Seminars and Presentations/Talks
Tedx talk: Why We are Alone in the Galaxy: Tedx.com
Chinese Acad. of Sci., Beijing China – Keynote address
Columbia University – Lamont-Doherty
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Universitè de Bretagne, Brest, France
University of Tennessee
University of California at Los Angeles
University of Georgia
University of Northern Illinois
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
etc.
Editorial Work
Editor (1999-2002) Geology
Associate editor (1995-1998) of the Journal of Geophysical Research
Education
Florida State University, Ph.D. 12/85
Dissertation: Geochemistry and Petrology of the Western Philippine Island Arc: Potential Origin of the Potassium-Depth Relationship
Major Professor: Paul C. Ragland
University of Alabama, Geology, M.S. 8/80
Thesis: A Geochemical and Petrogenetic Analysis of the Almond and Blakes Ferry Plutons, Randolph County, Alabama
Major Professor: Stephen H. Stow
University of Alabama, Chemistry, B.S. 8/76
University of Alabama, Geology, B.S. 8/73
Western Michigan University – Transferred to the University of Alabama after two years.
Completed Masters Theses (chaired)
All theses listed are completed.
Austin, Phil, 1995, Boron and beryllium of the Kamchatka arc: The roles of rifting and assimilation in continental arcs.
Calderon-Zanoria, A., 1991, Volcanology and geochemistry of the Cavite-Batangas Highlands, southwestern Luzon, Philippines.
Clark, L. F., 1989, The geology, geochemistry, and petrogenesis of El Valle volcano, Panama.
Dehen, T. L., 1987, A geochemical investigation of volcanic islands in the eastern Aegean Sea.
Delfin, F. G., 1991, Petrogenesis of Mt. Bulusan volcanic complex, Bicol arc, the Philippines.
Jackson, T. E., 1991, Neogene geochemistry of the Central American arc: Western Panama and southeastern Costa Rica.
Restrepo, J. F., 1987, A geochemical investigation of Pleistocene to recent calc-alkaline volcanism in western Panama.
Richerson, P. M., 1990, Petrogenesis of La Yeguada volcanic complex, western Panama, via both differentiation and slab melting.
Sherman, S. B., 1992, Geochemistry and petrogenesis of Saba, northern Lesser Antilles.
Sollebello, L. P., 1987, A geochemical investigation of volcanic rocks from the islands of Evvia, Skyros, and Eustratios: north central Aegean Sea,