Robert McDermott, Ph.D.
Rob McDermott is a Research Geologist at the Alaska Science Center in Anchorage, Alaska. His primary research tool is low-temperature thermochronology (particularly the (U-Th)/He system in Fe-oxide, apatite, and zircon), complemented by detailed field and microtextural observations and modeling of thermal processes.
Current USGS research is focused on better understanding the tectonic and metallogenic evolution of Alaska through geochemistry and thermochronology of heavy minerals in river sediments. Past and ongoing research projects are geared towards deconvolving the rock record of paleoearthquakes, dating fault slip and mineralization, and investigating tectonic and landscape evolution in the Wasatch (northern UT) and Denali (southwest Yukon) fault zones. He holds a B.S. (2014) in Geology with a mathematics concentration from the University of Pittsburgh and a PhD (2020) from Utah State University.
Professional Experience
2024 - Present Research Geologist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK
2020 - 2024 Mendenhall Postdoctoral Fellow, Anchorage, AK
2014 - 2020 Graduate Research Assistant, Utah State University, Logan, UT
2018 Instructor (Geologic Field Methods), Utah State University, Logan, UT
2014 NAGT/USGS Intern, Menlo Park, CA
2012 - 2014 Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2020 Utah State University, Logan, UT Geology
B.S. 2014 University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA Geology
Science and Products
Dating fault damage along the eastern Denali fault zone with hematite (U-Th)/He thermochronometry Dating fault damage along the eastern Denali fault zone with hematite (U-Th)/He thermochronometry
Thermotectonic history of the Kluane Ranges and evolution of the eastern Denali Fault Zone in southwestern Yukon, Canada Thermotectonic history of the Kluane Ranges and evolution of the eastern Denali Fault Zone in southwestern Yukon, Canada
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
In situ Geochemical Data for Detrital and Porphyry-Related Magnetite from the Taurus Porphyry Cu Deposit and Environs, Alaska, United States In situ Geochemical Data for Detrital and Porphyry-Related Magnetite from the Taurus Porphyry Cu Deposit and Environs, Alaska, United States
(U-Th)/He Dates of Detrital Magnetite from Streams Draining the Taurus Porphyry Cu Deposit, Alaska, United States (U-Th)/He Dates of Detrital Magnetite from Streams Draining the Taurus Porphyry Cu Deposit, Alaska, United States
Science and Products
Dating fault damage along the eastern Denali fault zone with hematite (U-Th)/He thermochronometry Dating fault damage along the eastern Denali fault zone with hematite (U-Th)/He thermochronometry
Thermotectonic history of the Kluane Ranges and evolution of the eastern Denali Fault Zone in southwestern Yukon, Canada Thermotectonic history of the Kluane Ranges and evolution of the eastern Denali Fault Zone in southwestern Yukon, Canada
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.