Casey Tierney

About

Dr. Casey R. Tierney is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the School of Earth and Sustainability at Northern Arizona University, where he has been a faculty member since 2021. He conducts high-impact research that seeks to understand the spatiotemporal evolution of magmatic and volcanic systems of a variety of scales and settings through a combination of physical volcanology, igneous petrology, and geochemistry. Please see his website (https://www.caseytierney.com/) for more information.

Research Interests

Volcanic and Magmatic Systems

• Links between surface volcanism and deeper crustal processes
• How magma is generated, stored, and erupted
• Geochemical modeling of magmatic systems
• Processes that trigger volcanic eruptions

Crystal and Mineral Records of Magmatic Processes

• In-situ geochemical and geochronologic analysis of minerals
• Developing timescales of crystal growth and magma storage
• Linking mineral chemistry and timescales to magmatic processes

Continental Crust Development

• Understanding the overall development of continental crust
• Role of magmatic processes in continental crustal growth and differentiation
• Integration of geochronological and geochemical data

Education

• Ph.D. Geology, Northern Arizona University (2019)
• M.S. Geology, Oregon State University (2011)
• B.S. Geology and Environmental Studies, Iowa State University (2009)

Professional Experience

Academic Positions

• Assistant Teaching Professor, Northern Arizona University (2022-present)
• Visiting Assistant Professor, Adams State University (2021-2022)
• Visiting Assistant Professor, Humboldt State University (2020-2021)
• Lecturer, Central Washington University (2019-2020)

Industry Experience

• Geologist, Freeport McMoRan Climax mine (2012-2014)
• Geologist, Newmont Phoenix/Copper Canyon mines (2011-2012)

Research Impact

Dr. Tierney has contributed to advancing understanding of volcanic and magmatic processes, with research that integrates multiple geological disciplines. His work includes 107 citations and demonstrates expertise in field geology, laboratory analysis, and geochemical modeling.

Teaching Excellence

Dr. Tierney brings extensive teaching experience across multiple geological disciplines:

Course Instruction

• Petrology (igneous, metamorphic)
• Volcanology
• Stratigraphy and sedimentology
• Physical geology
• Geography
• Issues in Earth Science

Teaching Philosophy

Dr. Tierney combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, drawing on his industry experience and research expertise to provide students with comprehensive geological education.

Research Expertise

Field Geology

• Extensive field mapping and sampling experience
• Volcanic field investigations
• Integration of field observations with laboratory analysis

Laboratory Analysis

• Advanced petrological techniques
• Geochemical analysis and interpretation
• Geochronological methods
• Mineralogical investigations

Industry Applications

• Economic geology and mineral exploration
• Mine geology and ore deposit analysis
• Applied geochemical techniques
• Resource assessment and evaluation

Graduate Student Opportunities

Dr. Tierney actively seeks graduate students interested in:

• Volcanology and magmatic processes
• Igneous petrology and geochemistry
• Integration of field and laboratory techniques
• Professional development in earth sciences

Professional Service

• Contributor to geological research publications
• Reviewer for geological journals
• Member of professional geological organizations
• Mentor for undergraduate and graduate students

Research Philosophy

Dr. Tierney’s research approach emphasizes the integration of multiple geological disciplines - volcanology, mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry - to develop comprehensive understanding of complex geological systems. His work bridges fundamental research with practical applications.

Current Research Focus

Dr. Tierney continues to investigate:

• Evolution of volcanic and magmatic systems
• Continental crust development processes
• Integration of geochronological and geochemical datasets
• Applications of advanced analytical techniques to geological problems Gemini Gemini in Drive doesn’t support text files Gemini in Workspace can make mistakes, so double-check responses. Learn more