The Department of Geosciences at East Tennessee State University is working to redefine a field often misunderstood as the study of rocks alone. Under the leadership of Department Chair Dr. Anthony Vega, the department continues its mission as a multidisciplinary hub addressing modern challenges such as disaster mitigation, weather monitoring and community resource management.
Dr. Vega said that while people often think of geosciences as being only geology, the discipline encompasses a wide range of scientific inquiries. At ETSU, this includes research in climatology, soil chemistry, hydrology, and the use of advanced technology to assess environmental risks.
“Our faculty are highly self-motivated and do an exceptional job of teaching, research and service,” Dr. Vega said.
A cornerstone of the department’s research is the Gray Fossil Site, managed by Drs. Blaine Schubert, Stephen Wallace, and Josh Samuels. The site is a world-class paleontological resource hub for understanding the ancient ecosystem of Appalachia. While thousands of fossils have already been recovered, Dr. Vega noted that less than 1% of the site has been excavated, leaving a vast amount of history yet to be discovered.
The department’s reach is global, with faculty and students conducting volcanology research as far away as Hawaii and New Zealand. Back on campus, geoscientists often cross research lines with anthropology, utilizing ground-penetrating radar. For those who have watched documentaries on ancient Egypt, this is the same technology used to locate hidden structures beneath the earth’s surface.
Closer to home, the department remains at the heart of physical earth research by studying landslide hazards and local environmental shifts. Most recently, faculty have been studying the impacts of Hurricane Helene to better understand and mitigate future disasters in the region.
Technological innovation remains a priority, particularly through the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. Researchers Mr. Wil Tollefson, Dr. Andrew Joyner, and Dr. Eileen Ernenwein use these tools for mapping and geohazard assessment.
“We use UAVs in a variety of ways to assess risk and disaster mitigation and to collect a variety of remotely sensed data,” Dr. Vega said. “Much of this is used in research and for geohazards and disaster mitigation and mapping.”
Joyner, who serves as the state climatologist and recently received the 2024 Distinguished Faculty Award in Service, also secured funding for the Mesonet, a statewide weather monitoring network. Dr. Vega said that over the next year, automated weather stations will be installed across Tennessee to provide real-time, detailed meteorological data for risk assessment and research.
The department’s focus on community and disaster resilience is leading to new academic opportunities. A new Master of Science in Environmental Health and Disaster Sciences is slated to launch this fall, catering to those interested in the intersection of public safety and geosciences.
Beyond the classroom, the faculty is deeply involved in the community, generating significant external funding and producing a steady stream of scientific articles and data. From Dr. Mick Whitelaw’s regional geological outreach to Dr. Ingrid Luffman’s work with local governments on hydrology concerns, the department continues to bridge the gap between academic research and public service.
With specialized experts like geographer Mr. Dave Jennings and soils geologist Dr. Arpita Nandi, the department remains a leader in studying the diverse physical landscape of East Tennessee and beyond.
