Thomas Hoisch

About

Dr. Thomas D. (Todd) Hoisch is a Professor of Geology and former Department Chair in the School of Earth and Sustainability at Northern Arizona University, where he has been a faculty member since 2000. He brings extensive experience in metamorphic petrology and field geology to his research and teaching.

Research Interests

Metamorphic Petrology

• Investigation of metamorphic processes in mountain belts
• Analysis of mineral equilibria and pressure-temperature conditions
• Study of metamorphic mineral assemblages and their implications
• Research on equilibria within quartz + muscovite + biotite + plagioclase + garnet assemblages

Tectonics and Petrochronology

• Integration of metamorphic petrology with tectonic processes
• Timing of metamorphic events using petrochronological methods
• Understanding the relationship between deformation and metamorphism
• Regional tectonic evolution studies

U.S. Cordilleran Geology

• Extensive field studies in the American Cordillera
• Metamorphic core complex research
• Investigation of Barrovian metamorphism in detachment fault footwalls
• Studies in Death Valley National Park and surrounding regions

Geobarometry and Geothermometry

• Calibration of geobarometers for mineral assemblage analysis
• Development of pressure-temperature estimation techniques
• Empirical calibration of six geobarometers for specific mineral assemblages

Education

• Ph.D. Geology, Stanford University (1987)
• B.S. Geology, University of California, Davis (1979)

Research Accomplishments

Dr. Hoisch has made significant contributions to metamorphic petrology, with over 1,700 citations for his research. His work includes fundamental studies on:

Mineral Equilibria Studies

• Contributions to understanding mixing properties of octahedrally-coordinated cations in muscovite and biotite
• Research published in Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology

Regional Geological Studies

• Investigation of the Funeral Mountains in Death Valley National Park
• Analysis of Barrovian metamorphism in Tertiary Boundary Canyon detachment fault footwall
• Extensive field mapping and structural analysis

Laboratory Facilities and Leadership

Electron Microprobe Laboratory

• Led upgrades to Northern Arizona University’s electron microprobe laboratory
• NSF funding recipient for laboratory enhancement
• Laboratory supports research in igneous and metamorphic petrology, archaeology, and anthropology

Department Leadership

• Former Department Chair, demonstrating administrative and academic leadership
• Long-standing commitment to geological education at NAU

Research Impact

Dr. Hoisch’s research has contributed fundamental knowledge to understanding:

• Pressure-temperature conditions in metamorphic rocks
• Geochemistry of metamorphic mineral assemblages
• Tectonic evolution of the North American Cordillera
• Metamorphic processes in extensional tectonic settings

Graduate Student Supervision

Dr. Hoisch has supervised numerous graduate students in:

• Field geology techniques and mapping
• Metamorphic petrology laboratory methods
• Microprobe analysis and mineral chemistry
• Regional geological studies
• Professional development in earth sciences

Professional Service

• Former Department Chair at Northern Arizona University
• NSF grant recipient and reviewer
• Contributor to regional geological surveys
• Reviewer for major geology and petrology journals
• Leader in geological education and curriculum development

Field Research

Dr. Hoisch has conducted extensive field research throughout the western United States, with particular focus on:

• Death Valley region metamorphic studies
• Cordilleran metamorphic core complexes
• Structural and metamorphic relationships in mountain belts

Teaching and Mentorship

With over two decades at NAU, Dr. Hoisch has taught various geology courses and mentored numerous students, combining classroom instruction with hands-on field and laboratory experience in metamorphic petrology.