Mary Reid

About

Dr. Mary Reid is a Professor Emeritus and President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow in the School of Earth and Sustainability at Northern Arizona University, where she has been a faculty member since 2003. Her distinguished career spans several decades of groundbreaking research in geochemistry and petrology.

Research Interests

Isotope Geochemistry

• Development of new analytical approaches involving dating and isotopic analyses of minerals
• Isotopic studies of volcanic and magmatic processes
• Applications of isotope geochemistry to understanding Earth system processes

Magmatic Geochronology

• Zircon analysis and dating techniques
• Temporal evolution of magmatic systems
• Chronology of volcanic processes and eruptions

Lithosphere Evolution

• Exploring the geochemical evolution of the lithosphere from top to bottom
• Understanding crustal-mantle interactions
• Investigation of young geologic processes and their implications

Volcanic Processes

• Geochemical studies of volcanic systems
• Basalt research and petrogenesis
• Understanding magmatic processes and volcanic hazards

Education

• Ph.D. Geochemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.)
• B.S. Earth Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz
• B.A. Chemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz

Postdoctoral Training

• President’s Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, Santa Barbara

Awards and Recognition

• Norman L. Bowen Award, American Geophysical Union, Volcanology, Geochemistry and Petrology Section
• President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow, Northern Arizona University

Research Impact

Dr. Reid’s work has had significant impact on the fields of geochemistry and petrology, particularly in developing new analytical approaches and understanding lithosphere evolution. Her research focuses especially on young geologic processes and their broader implications for understanding Earth systems.

Academic Contributions

Research Focus Areas

• Basalt studies and petrogenesis
• Lithosphere research and evolution
• Zircon analysis and geochronology
• Volcanic processes and geochemistry

Methodological Innovations

• Development of new analytical approaches for mineral dating
• Advancement of isotopic analysis techniques
• Innovation in geochemical analytical methods

Professional Service

Dr. Reid has served the geochemistry and petrology communities through:

• Editorial work for professional journals
• Review activities for research funding agencies
• Mentorship of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers
• Leadership in professional organizations

Legacy

As a Professor Emeritus, Dr. Reid continues to contribute to the field through her research and mentorship. Her work has established foundational understanding in isotope geochemistry and magmatic processes, influencing generations of earth scientists.

Teaching Excellence

Recognized as a President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow, Dr. Reid has been committed to excellence in education, training numerous graduate students and contributing to curriculum development in geochemistry and petrology.