Graduate Research Opportunities (PhD and MSc) - Utah State University Geosciences

Graduate Research Opportunities - Utah State University Geosciences

The Department of Geosciences at Utah State University invites applicants for multiple, fully funded PhD and MSc positions across a range of geoscience disciplines. Potential research topic areas and contact information for faculty advisors are listed below:

Earthquake Science: Dr. Srisharan Shreedharan (srisharan.shreedharan@usu.edu) and Dr. Alexis Ault (alexis.ault@usu.edu) seek graduate students to investigate earthquake processes using rock deformation/friction experiments, numerical modeling, micro- to nano-scale investigations of natural and experimental fault rocks, and fault rock thermochronometry.

Paleoclimatology & Paleoceanography: Dr. Don Penman (donald.penman@usu.edu) seeks graduate students to investigate the climate and carbon-cycle dynamics of Early Cenozoic warm periods using the geochemistry of microfossils in deep-sea sediments.

High-temperature Geochemistry & Igneous Petrology: Dr. Katie Potter (katie.potter@usu.edu) seeks one MS student to conduct research on the geochemistry of olivine and melt inclusions associated with the Tristan-Gough-Walvis hotspot track.

Geochemistry of Geofluids: Dr. Dennis Newell (dennis.newell@usu.edu) seeks graduate students to investigate the records of modern or ancient geofluid-rock interaction using stable isotope geochemistry.

Groundwater Hydrogeology: Dr. Tom Lachmar (tom.lachmar@gmail.com) is recruiting one MS student for a groundwater modeling study in southeastern Utah.

USU and the Department of Geosciences are committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Students from groups traditionally underrepresented in geosciences are encouraged to apply.

If interested, please contact the respective faculty member(s) associated with the projects above. Review of applications start the first week of January 2024, and GRE scores are no longer required for admission to the graduate program. More information about the application process can be found here: https://www.usu.edu/geo/graduate-program/future-graduates

*Dr.’s Shreedharan, Ault, and Penman will be attending the AGU23 Fall Meeting and are pleased to discuss graduate work at USU Geosciences with prospective students.