Chair, Professor of Geosciences
David Bailey
David Bailey's current research focuses on the history of igneous and tectonic activity in the northeastern United States and on the mineralogy of New York State.
Geosciences
Fieldwork will be a vital part of your studies. You may find yourself working with other students and faculty members in Tasmania or the Pacific Northwest, and you’ll regularly get out into the field in Central New York. Professors will encourage you to collaborate with them on projects in and out of the classroom.
About the Major
Hamilton’s geosciences program exemplifies the College’s approach to the liberal arts: It is interdisciplinary, innovative and driven by student research.
The quaint stereotype of the “rock scientist” is ancient history. The geosciences have grown deeply interdisciplinary as scientists focus on distant planets, climate change and the environment. And the field has become a crucial part of the scientific effort to preserve the Earth for future generations.
The geosciences department at Hamilton is just small enough to be a close-knit group. The courses themselves are very interactive and allow students in each class to work closely with one another. The faculty helped form those close relationships. The entire faculty in the department was very friendly and always helpful. My thesis advisor, Cindy Domack, often came to my field hockey games to cheer me on. I am sure she did that for others of her students as well.
Caitlin Livsey — Geosciences major
Careers After Hamilton
- Exploration Geologist, Pioneer Natural Resources
- Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey
- Senior Analyst, NBC Universal Media
- Coastal Oceanographer, Applied Coastal Research & Engineering
- Science/Math Teacher, Friends Central School
- Geologist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Geoscientist, Exxon Mobil
- Chief Regulatory Officer, Cape Cod Commission
- Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Meet Our Faculty
Assistant Professor of Geosciences
Catherine Beck
Catherine Beck studies East African sediments and changes in paleoclimate and paleoenvironment.
Professor of Geosciences
Cynthia Domack
Cynthia Domack, who joined the Hamilton faculty in 1985, specializes in paleontology, oceanography and coastal geology.
the Joel W. Johnson Family Professor of Environmental Science
Todd Rayne
Todd Rayne uses environmental tracers and numerical modeling to study ground water flow systems.
the Upson Chair of Public Discourse, Professor of Geosciences
Barbara Tewksbury
Barbara Tewksbury, a structural geologist, is engaged in research projects in Iceland and Egypt.
A Sampling of Courses
Principles of Geoscience: Geology and Human Events in North Africa and the Middle East 103F
An interdisciplinary study exploring the influence of environment, water resources, climate change and bedrock geology of North Africa and the Middle East on prehistory, history, international relations and prospects for the future. Special emphasis on developing GIS skills. Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning. Oral Presentations. Proseminar.
View All CoursesPrinciples of Geoscience: The Marine Environment 112S
An introduction to the physical, chemical and biological nature of the marine environment. Topics include marine geology, seawater composition, atmosphere/climate, ocean circulation, waves, tides, coastal processes, life in the sea, ocean resources and marine pollution. Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning.
View All CoursesMeteorology 240S
A study of the atmospheric environment. Topics include the Earth’s atmosphere, temperature, humidity, condensation, cloud development, precipitation, winds, air masses, storms and climate. Three hours of class and three hours (TBA) of laboratory/discussion. Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning.
View All CoursesAdvanced Hydrogeology and the Environment 309F
Advanced topics in hydrogeology, including geochemical principles, an introduction to contaminant transport, computer modeling of groundwater flow and studies of landfills, hazardous waste sites and other environmental problems. Three hours of class and two hour lab/discussion with field trips. Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning.
View All CoursesVolcanology 312S
An examination of active volcanic processes on Earth through focused case studies and laboratory based projects. Emphasis placed on the physical and chemical processes involved in the origin and evolution of volcanic systems.
View All CoursesGIS for Geoscientists 380S
Introduction to basic concepts in computer-based GIS emphasizing hands-on practice in portraying and analyzing spatially referenced data sets to produce a variety of types of digital products and to solve geologic problems. Practice using data from multiple sources, including data downloaded from online sources, field-collected data and published map data. Emphasis on mastery of basic skills and techniques using ESRI ArcGIS software. Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning.
View All CoursesToday and Tomorrow
Research and Discovery
Glacial Guiding in Alaska
Read The Story
