Teaching

Students leave these courses with solid geoscience content and sharper computational, writing, and critical-thinking skills—whether they are headed into geology careers or learning how Earth processes shape society.

Currently teaching

Geology of National Parks (GEO 302N)

Fall 2019–2026; Spring 2021–2026 · University of Texas at Austin

Explore the rocks, landscapes, climate, hydrology, and environmental stories of the U.S. National Park System. Parks are chosen as vivid case studies of the Earth processes that built them. (Carolyn G. and G. Moses Knebel Teaching Award for Introductory Course, 2023.)

Graduate courses (UT Austin)

  • Microstructures and Rock Rheology — Spring 2022, Fall 2024
    Rock deformation from thin section to rheology: textures, fabric, optical and electron microscopy (including EBSD), and how rocks respond to stress.
  • Metamorphic Petrology — Spring 2015, 2017
    Metamorphic rocks and processes from subduction zones to collisional and extensional belts, with a field-based focus on type localities and tectonic applications.
  • Analytical Methods: Electron Microbeam Technology — Spring 2021
    Hands-on SEM, ESEM, EMPA, EDS/WDS, EBSD, and cathodoluminescence with the department’s electron microbeam instruments.
  • Thermodynamics of Petrological Systems — Fall 2018
    Thermodynamic principles applied to Earth materials and petrological processes.
  • Geology of The Middle East — Spring 2011, 2012
    Regional geology and tectonics of western Asia and North Africa, from energy systems to collisional and extensional models.

Undergraduate courses (UT Austin)

  • Geology of National Parks (GEO 302N) — Fall 2019–2026; Spring 2021–2026 (see featured above)
  • Gems and Gem Minerals — Fall 2022, 2023
    Formation, properties, identification, and uses of gemstones, with hands-on faceting and cabochoning.
  • Earth Materials (GEO 416K) — Fall 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020
    Minerals, igneous and metamorphic rocks, ores, and the physical–chemical processes that form them. Lab guide: Kendall Hunt (2nd ed., 2020).
  • Physical Geology (geology majors) — Spring 2014–2016, 2018, 2020
    Processes and materials that shape Earth, paired with a problem-based lab. Lab manual: Great River Learning (2016).
  • Introduction to Geology (non-majors) — Spring 2010
  • Rocks & Water of The Middle East — Fall 2011, 2013
  • International Learning Seminar — Spring 2016, 2018
    Preparation for international study and geoscience fieldwork, including cultural competence and UT travel resources.

Also taught

Soochow University International Programs (Taiwan)

  • The Dynamic Earth (4-week online) — Summer 2022, 2024; Winter 2022, 2023/2024

Middle East Technical University (Ankara, Turkey)

  • Petrography — Spring 2009
  • Introduction to Geological Engineering — Fall 2008
  • Mineralogy — Fall 2008

Oklahoma State University (2001–2007)

  • Geology and Human Affairs · Practical Mineralogy · Elementary Petrology · Electron Microprobe Analysis · Planetary Geology