The Faculty at SESE

Stephen Reynolds focuses most of his geologic research on the structure, tectonics, and regional geology of the Southwest, working mostly in Arizona, California, and Mexico. Much of his research has been directed toward understanding how structural geometries and processes of the crust vary as a function of depth. His research currently focuses on the evolution of the Maria fold and thrust belt, metamorphic core complexes, and structural control of gold mineralization in Mexico. He has authored or edited nearly 200 geologic maps, articles, and reports, including the 866-page "Geologic Evolution of Arizona" and the "Geologic Map of Arizona". He also coauthored "Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions", one of the most widely used Structural Geology textbook. He has taught Physical Geology, Structural Geology, Field Geology, Advanced Field Geology, Orogenic Systems, Cordilleran Regional Geology, Teaching Methods in the Geosciences, and others. Steve also does science-education research on student learning in college geology courses, especially the role of visualization. Some of his graduate students have both a geologic and science-education-research component of their thesis. As part of his science-education program, Steve recently published "Exploring Geology", an innovative college textbook designed from cognitive and educational research and published by McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Steve is known for his enthusiasm for teaching and his innovative teaching methods, has received numerous teaching awards, and has an award-winning website. As a National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) distinguished speaker, he traveled across the country presenting talks and workshops on how to infuse active learning and inquiry into large introductory geology classes.