Research Interests
Sean is interested in tectonic-climate interactions, the role of catastrophism in the geologic record and marine and planetary geophysical imaging at nested resolutions. See the Research tab for a full list of interests.
Current Projects
Sean's current projects include tectonic and glacial interactions in Alaska, geohazards and margin evolution of subduction and transform faulting in Alaska, Sumatra, New Zealand, and Japan, and the geologic processes, environmental effects, and habitability of the Cretaceous-Paleogene Chicxulub meteor impact.
Planetary Habitability
Sean is co-director of the Center for Planetary Systems Habitability, an interdisciplinary research center located virtually at The University of Texas at Austin reporting to the Jackson School of Geosciences. The center collaborates across disciplines, schools, and borders to understand the planetary systems where life could evolve, and how to find them.
Ph.D.
in Geological Sciences, Lehigh University, 1999
B.S.
in Geology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1993
Marine and planetary geophysical imaging at nested resolutions and ground truth through drilling, coring, logging, and sampling.<br>
Tectonic processes, tectonic-climate interactions, and geohazards of convergent margins and transitional tectonic environments.<br>
Role of catastrophism in the geologic record including impact cratering, hurricanes, and tectonic events.<br>
Planetary habitability, impact generated ecosystems, biotic crises.
Committee Member,
Marine Seismology Symposium, Steering Committee, (2021)
Associate Chair,
Department of Geological Sciences: Lithosphere & Deep Earth, (2021 - Present)
Chair,
Department of Geological Sciences, Internal Search Committee, (2020)
Committee Member,
Department of Geological Sciences: Structure and Tectonics Faculty Search Committee, (2020)
Committee Member,
University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, Executive Committee, (2020 - 2021)
Board Member,
Joides Resolution Facility Board Working Group on Science Framework Proposal Requirements and Assessments, (2020 - Present)
Committee Member,
Jackson School of Geosciences, Dean Search Committee, (2019)
Co-convener,
IODP Expedition 364 Second Post-cruise Meeting, Merida, México (2018)
Steering Committee,
UT Pop-Up Institute on Planetary Habitability (2018)
Co-chair,
UTIG Directors Search Committee, (2018 - 2019)
Committee Member,
IODP Renewal Committee- SOD23+, (2018 - 2020)
Ex-officio IODP Representative,
Marine Seismic Research Oversight Committee, (2017 - 2019)
Steering Committee,
Antarctica Drilling Workshop, College Station, Texas (2016)
Steering Committee,
Subduction Zone Observatory Workshop, Boise, Idaho (2016)
Committee member,
Marcus Langseth Science Oversight Committee, (2016 - 2017)
Co-chair,
IODP Science Evaluation Panel, (2016 - 2020)
Committee member,
Jackson School of Geosciences Strategic Planning Committee, (2015 - 2019)
Panel Member,
IODP Science Evaluation Panel, (2014 - 2016)
Co-chair,
IRIS Scientific Grand Challenges Committee, (2014 - 2016)
Chair,
Jackson School of Geosciences, Marine Geosciences Theme, (2011 - 2020)
Keynote Speaker,
International Core-Log-Seismic Integration Workshop (2005)
Panel Member,
IODP Measurements and Science Technology Panel, (2003 - 2005)
Co-convenor,
Joint NSF-JOI Tectonic-Climate Interplay Workshop (2003)
Panel Member,
IODP Interim Scientific Measurements Panel (iSciMP), (2002 - 2003)
Committee Member,
University of Delaware Research Vessel Advisory Committee, (2001 - 2002)
Member,
American Geophysical Union ( - Present)
Member,
Geological Society of America ( - Present)
Member,
Union of Concerned Scientists ( - Present)
Fellow of the Geological Society of America
- Geological Society of America (2018)
Eugene Shoemaker Memorial Award
- Arizona State University (2017)
Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg Fellow
- Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg, Delmenhorst, GER (2016)
Jackson School Outstanding Researcher Award
- University of Texas at Austin (2015)
Signature Course Essential Elements Award for Excellence in Teaching Oral Communication
- University of Texas at Austin (2015)
Directors Circle of Excellence
- UTIG (2010 - 2017)
Joint Oceanographic Institutions Distinguished Lectureship
- JOI/USSAC (2007 - 2008)
Jackson School of Geosciences Research Achievement Award
- University of Texas at Austin (2007 - 2009)
Consortium of Ocean Leadership Distinguished Lecturer
- COL (2007 - 2008)
Jackson School of Geosciences Research Fellowship
- University of Texas at Austin (2006 - 2007)
Young Scientist Fellowship
- Jackson School of Geosciences (2005 - 2006)
