Photo: Professor & Curator Clay Mineralogy Contact Info geohead@uga.edu Office: Geography-Geology Building, Room 301A 706-542-2384 Current Research Interests Critical Zone Science Past visiting TUBITAK Scholar Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Mines Critical Zone Networks (CZEN) **** Critical Zone Observatories (CZO) Past Director - Georgia Electron Microscopy Lab (formally: Center for Advanced Ultrastructrual Research) Treasurer and Past-President of The Clay Minerals Society Clays and clay minerals are the most abundant reactive solids on the Earth's surface. Understanding clays minerals involves the detailed crystal-chemical characterization of their structure, particularly as they are found associated in the critical zone, which includes near surface weathering, diagenetic, and hydrothermal geologic environments. Clay minerals often interact with biological systems, which then allow them to proxy the record of environmental change throughout Earth history and perhaps in extraterrestrial environments. The research carried out in my group has involved the study of these fine grain particles using NMR spectroscopy, Fourier transform IR and Raman spectroscopy, radiogenic, cosmogenic, and stable isotopes, chemical and thermal analyses, and X-ray and electron diffraction. Education Education: Ph.D. Geology, Yale University, 1992 M.Phil. Geology, Yale University, 1987 M.S. Marine Science, University of South Florida, 1981 B.A. Geology, New England College, 1978 Research Research Interests: Research Areas: Economic Geology Environmental Geosciences Geoarchaeology Sedimentary Geology Geochemistry Research Interests: Clays and clay minerals are nature's most common nano-material. The study of both natural and synthetic nano-composites made up of clays and organics offers great promise for the discovery of new materials for use in medical, pharmaceutical, and material industries. Knowledge of clays is essential for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon energy, particularly in terms of benefiting the environment. Grants: A complete grant support list can be found in CV. Selected Publications Selected Publications: Complete publications are listed here. Of note: Book: Clays in the Critical Zone (2018), Cambridge University Press
