About the Department of Geology & Geological Engineering

We aim to create well-rounded geologists and engineering professionals

A group of Geology professors sitting around a table smiling and posing for the photo

Come Join Us!

We’ll help you develop your communications, critical-thinking, teamwork and leadership skills, which are vital in today’s world. You’ll be able to gain real world experience through internships and co-ops in your area of expertise. You can participate in engineering professional societies and other interest groups at the school.

Plus, by engaging in research, you can work with national and international specialists to tackle engineering grand challenges.

We’ve got a great network of alumni. You’ll be able to learn  from their experience – from what it’s like as a starting professional to how they’ve achieved success in their work life. You’ll see them in classroom settings, at small group lunches and at career fairs. And when you graduate, you become part of a network that is dedicated to seeing you succeed. Are you ready to live your legacy?

We have a very low student-to-faculty ratio and our students constantly say how their professors make time to help them with their classwork, projects and future goals. We are dedicated to educating the state of Mississippi and beyond. Persevering through all to grow toward something bigger. Because we’re rebels in our own way.

The demand for geoscientists in a range of employment opportunities continues to expand and outpace the number of students preparing for geoscience careers. The American Geoscience Institute (AGI) using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data estimates that by 2028, there will be a shortage of 35,000 geoscientists (FTEs, full time equivalents), and geoscience employment will increase over the next decade by 4–8%, depending on the specific occupation.

Our Degree Offerings

Undergraduate students can earn a B.S. in Geology or Geological Engineering.  Graduate students can earn a M.S. or Ph.D. in Engineering Science with an emphasis in environmental engineering, geology, geological engineering, or hydrology & computational hydroscience.

Geology and Geological Engineering Faculty

The geology and geological engineering faculty at the University of Mississippi are a dynamic team of educators and researchers dedicated to advancing innovation and discovery in areas such as earth processes, natural resource exploration, environmental geoscience, and geotechnical engineering.
Thomas Oommen

Thomas Oommen

  • Chair and Professor of Geology and Geological Engineering
Jordan Burkey

Jordan Burkey

  • Instructor in Geology and Geological Engineering
Ron Counts

Ron Counts

  • Associate Professor of Geology and Geological Engineering and Associate Director of Mississippi Mineral Research Institute
Gregg Davidson

Gregg Davidson

  • Professor of Geology and Geological Engineering
Jennifer Gifford

Jennifer Gifford

  • Associate Professor of Geology & Geological Engineering
Robert Holt

Robert Holt

  • Professor of Geology & Geological Engineering
Noha Ismail

Noha Ismail

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Leonardo Macelloni

Leonardo Macelloni

  • Director of Mississippi Mineral Resources Institute and Center for Marine Resources and Environmental Technology and Associate Professor of Geology and Geological Engineering
Elsie Okoye

Elsie Okoye

  • Adjunct Instructor in Geology and Geological Engineering
Brian Platt

Brian Platt

  • Associate Professor of Geology & Geological Engineering
Julie Retrum

Julie Retrum

  • Lecturer in Geology and Geological Engineering
Jobin Thomas

Jobin Thomas

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
Inoka Widanagamage

Inoka Widanagamage

  • Instructional Associate Professor of Geology & Geological Engineering
Lance Yarbrough

Lance Yarbrough

  • Associate Professor of Geology and Geological Engineering

Geology & Geological Engineering Staff

Our dedicated staff support the day-to-day operations of the department and help create a welcoming, efficient environment for students, faculty, and visitors alike.
Mandy Dowdy

Mandy Dowdy

  • Administrative Coordinator I
Sherra Jones

Sherra Jones

  • Operations Coordinator II
Maxwell Pizarro

Maxwell Pizarro

  • Lab Coordinator - Geology and Geological Engineering

Photos from GGE

See what our department has been up to lately.

For the latest photos and updates, check out our Instagram page.

Two researchers standing in front of an infographic explaining the details of their geology project.

A large rock formation at the top of a hill.

Geology students in high-vis and hiking gear wade through a river in the forest

A geological engineering student rests against a truck at a work-site.  Heavy machinery can be seen in the background.

A geology instructor draws a diagram on a large white canvas outdoors

Gregg Davidson holds a certification from the Geological Society of America

A large mountain formation

Career Paths in Geology and Geological Engineering

A degree in geology or geological engineering opens doors to a wide range of careers. Whether working in the field, lab, or classroom, graduates play a vital role in understanding and managing Earth’s systems.

Engineering Geologists apply geologic principles to civil and environmental engineering. They investigate geological factors that affect engineering structures such as buildings, bridges, airports and dams. They offer advice on major construction projects and help with other projects, such as environmental cleanup and reducing natural hazards.

Environmental geologists work to solve problems with waste disposal, pollution, urban development and hazards such as flooding and erosion. Environmental hydrologists identify the extent of groundwater contamination problems and design a system to remove the contamination.

Geotechnical engineers work for consulting firms that specialize in environmental remediation and site assessment. They evaluate soil and rock conditions to ensure the safety and stability of structures, and help design foundations and solutions to mitigate ground-related hazards.

Petroleum geologists are involved in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas.  They analyze subsurface geology to locate energy resources, guide drilling operations, and assess the potential of reservoirs.

Mapping and resource assessment geologists work for state or federal government agencies.  Their work supports land use planning, mineral exploration, and hazard assessment.

Consulting engineers or geologists assess hazard potential due to an earthquake, flood, landslide or unfavorable site geology.  They provide critical assessments to guide safe land development and infrastructure planning.

Hydrologists study the movement and quality of water to identify reliable sources for community water supply. They assess groundwater and surface water systems to support sustainable water management.

Marine geologists and oceanographers study the geology of the ocean floor and continental shelves. Their work helps us understand underwater processes, resource deposits, and environmental changes in marine environments.

Government inspectors oversee construction projects in challenging geological terrains. They ensure compliance with safety standards and evaluate site conditions to prevent structural and environmental issues.

Research scientists at university-based institutions conduct advanced studies in geology and related fields, contributing to new discoveries and innovative solutions for Earth science challenges.

Bankers specialize in evaluating natural resources to assess their value as loan collateral, helping finance projects in mining, energy, and land development.

Attorneys focus on natural resource and environmental law, advising clients on regulations, compliance, and legal issues related to land use and conservation.

Secondary school teachers and university professors educate students in a wide range of geological subdisciplines, inspiring the next generation of geoscientists and engineers.

Our Community

Oxford, MS downtown square at night. Squarebooks Bookstore corner building is focus
Arial view of Oxford, MS square. Courthouse is featured in middle.

A Place That Ever Calls

Located 70 miles from Memphis and surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Mississippi, Oxford boasts thriving musicart, and literary scenes along with great restaurants. UM's athletics provide many opportunities to watch and participate in sports—and one of the world's best tailgating parties. 

With everything Oxford has to offer, it's no wonder USA Today named Oxford as one of the Top Six College Towns in the Nation. 

Come see why.

Explore Oxford