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Christopher S Swezey, Ph.D.

Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Reston, Virginia. I conduct basic geologic mapping and research on stratigraphy, sedimentology, and geomorphology.  At present, this work is focused on Paleozoic basins of the eastern United States, and potential applications for water, energy, and mineral resources. 

Employment

2022-Present: Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Reston, Virginia

            - Project Chief, Glaciated Regions Geologic Mapping Project (2022-Present)

2022-2023 (9-month detail assignment): Acting Associate Program Coordinator (Science Lead for EDMAP, Earth MRI, & Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition), National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Reston, Virginia

2018-2022: Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Reston, Virginia

            - Project Chief, Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Project (2019-2022)

            - Project Chief, Geology of the Appalachian and Illinois Basins (2018-2019)

2009-2018: Research Geologist, USGS Eastern Geology & Paleoclimate Science Center, Reston, Virginia

            - Project Chief, Eastern Coastal Plain Geologic Mapping Project (2017-2018)

            - Associate Project Chief, Eastern Coastal Plain Studies Project (2015-2017)

            - Geologist, Geology of Atlantic Watersheds Project (2009-2015)

2000-2009: Research Geologist, USGS Eastern Energy Resources Team, Reston, Virginia

            - Task Chief, Eastern Oil Shale Assessment (2007-2009)

            - Task Chief, Illinois Basin Oil and Gas Assessment (2005-2009)

            - Task Chief, Michigan Basin Oil and Gas Assessment (2002-2005)

            - Geologist, Appalachian Basin Oil and Gas Assessment (2000-2002)

1997-2000: Geologist, BP Exploration (Gulf of Mexico), Houston, Texas

1996-1997: Research Assistant, Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, Austin, Texas

1988-1992: Teaching Assistant, Department of Geology, The University of Texas at Austin

1987-1988: Physical Science Technician, USGS Branch of Paleontology & Stratigraphy, Menlo Park, California

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. (1997) - Geology, The University of Texas at Austin. Dissertation: Climatic and Tectonic Controls on Quaternary Eolian Sedimentary Sequences of the Chott Rharsa Basin, Southern Tunisia

  • M.A. (1991) - Geology, The University of Texas at Austin.  Thesis: Description and Interpretation of the Jurassic J-2 Unconformity of the Western Interior (U.S.A.)  

  • B.S. (1987) - Geology, French (double major), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina

    Université de Paris VII (1985-1986), Paris, France

    St. Christopher’s High School (1983), Richmond, Virginia

Honors and Awards

  • 2018  Fellow of the Geological Society of America

  • 2008  American Association of Petroleum Geologists George V. Cohee Public Service Award

  • 1995  Chateaubriand Scholarship, Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France

  • 1992-1993  J. William Fulbright Scholarship, Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France

  • 1992  Smithsonian Institution Fellowship, Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC

  • 1987  T.V. Laska Award, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (Most outstanding undergraduate senior in geology)

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