Joseph L. Allen, Ph.D.

In collaboration with a host of Concord's undergraduate students, I work on a variety of field-based problems in structural geology. Most of my work involves study of pseudotachylyte to unravel fine details of the large-scale structure of earthquake ruptures at depth. In other words, how rocks break underground. Current field sites include the Colorado Rockies, the sunny beaches of western Greenland, and closer to home in the southern Appalachians of Virginia and West Virginia. 

I have the opportunity to teach courses that integrate development of field skills and geochemical methods, including Earth Structure and Tectonics; Earth Materials and Mineral Resources; Earth History and Stratigraphy; Field Methods; and CU's summer geology field camp. I also designed a new course titled Geology and Environmental Issues in Appalachia for a general non-science audience, and our introductory geology course Earth Processes, Resources, and the Environment which I developed in the early 2000s. 

Biosketch 

Recent award: 2022 West Virginia Professor of the Year.

Publications in: Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research (2020); GSA Today (2020); Geological Society of America Field Guide Series (2013, 2007, 2002); Rocky Mountain Geology (2013, 2007, 2004); Journal of Structural Geology (2012); West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey Map Series (2011); Geological Society, London, Special Publications (2011); Council on Undergraduate Research Quarterly (2010); Colorado Geological Survey Map Series (2008); Tectonophysics (2005); Geological Society of America Bulletin (2003); Mountain Geologist (1996); Southeastern Geology (1993); Compass (1993); Alabama Geological Society Field Guidebook Series (1991). 

$5 M in Grant Awards from: National Science Foundation (2024, 2023, 2020, 2015, 2007); U.S. Department of Education (2023); U.S. National Park Service (2009); American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund (2014, 2006); American Electric Power Foundation (2017); West Virginia Division of Science and Research and Higher Education Policy Commission (2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2008, 2001); West Virginia Research Trust Fund "Bucks for Brains" (2009); McDowell County Schools (2006); Appalachian College Association (1996, 1995). 

Education: B.S., Michigan State; M.S. East Carolina; Ph.D., Kentucky.

Positions: Concord University (1998-present) – Assistant Professor to Distinguished Professor of Geology; Physical and Environmental Sciences Department Chair (2014-present, 1998-2006); Science, Mathematics, and Health Division Chair (2002-2014). Alice Lloyd College (1994-1998) – Assistant to Associate Professor of Geology and Physical Sciences; Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division Chair (1997-1998).  University of Tennessee (1996-1997) – Postdoctoral Fellow. University of Kentucky – Visiting Assistant Professor (summer geology field camp, 1996). U.S. Geological Survey (1988) – NAGT/USGS Cooperative Field Training Program scholar. Ciba-Geigy (1985-1988) – Laboratory Technician.