Richard P. “Rick” Major is Professor Emeritus of Geology and Geological Engineering at the University of Mississippi. His career reflects extensive experience in sedimentology, carbonate geology, applied geoscience, and professional geological practice. Through work in academia, industry, government research, and international higher education, Dr. Major has contributed to the understanding of carbonate systems and the geologic processes that shape sedimentary rocks and reservoirs.
Biography
Rick is a sedimentologist specializing in the transformation of lime sediments to rocks. His work has taken him to the modern sediments of the Bahamas, the young limestones of the Netherlands Antilles and the Marshall Islands, the older rocks of the continental United States (both surface and subsurface) and Italy,and the very ancient rocks of South Africa. He has been an exploration geologist for Amoco in New Orleans, a Senior Research Scientist at the University of Texas, and professor and laboratory director at Universiti Tecknologi Petronas in Malaysia. Rick is an elected Senior Fellow of the Geological Society of America, a Certified Professional Geologist of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, and a member of Sigma Xi. He is retired in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Dr. Major’s academic training includes a Ph.D. in Geology from Brown University, an M.S. in Geology from the University of Connecticut, and a B.S. in Geology from Union College. He also completed postdoctoral work with the U.S. Geological Survey, further strengthening the foundation for his career in sedimentology, carbonate geology, and applied geoscience research.