Geological Sciences
(323) 343-2400

Kim M. Bishop
Associate Professor of Geology; M.S., CSU Northridge and Los Angeles; Ph.D., USC
Contact: (323) 343-2409
E-mail: kbishop@calstatela.edu
Dr. Bishop, an engineering geologist, is an expert on landslides and related mass wasting phenomena. Prior to joining the Cal State L.A. faculty, Bishop worked nine years in the engineering geology consulting field. He has lectured on "Engineering Geology in Southern California" and "Miocene Mega-Avalanche Deposits of the Eastern Mojave Desert Area."

Richard Hurst
Professor of Geology; Ph.D., UCLA
Contact: (323) 343-2410
E-mail: rhurst@calstatela.edu
Dr. Hurst's basic training is in geochemistry and environmental geochemistry. He is an expert on the geology of the solar system, involving Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and the Moon. His other research interests are applications of isotopes to environmental/exploration studies, planetary geology using remote sensing, and forensic geochemistry and mineralogy. He has lectured on "Holmes Sweet Holmes: Whodunit Approaches to Environmental Cleanup." He is a member of the New York Academy of Sciences, American Chemical Society and Geological Society of America.

Dave Mayo
Assistant Professor of Geology; Ph.D., USC
Contact: (323) 343-2420
E-mail: dmayo@calstatela.edu
Dr. Mayo, an igneous and metamorphic petrologist, is involved in science education programs ranging from the development of science instructional materials to the professional development. He has lectured on “Revision of Virtual Earthquake–A Popular Web-based Learning Activity," "Field Experiences for Pre-Service Science Teachers in the Los Angeles River," and "Active Learning and Formative Assessment with Web-Based Computer Animations." Dr. Mayo is a member of the Geological Society of America, the National Association of Geology Teachers, the National Science Teachers Association, and the Association of Science Teacher Educators.

Gary A. Novak
Emeritus Professor of Geology; Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Contact: (323) 343-2406
E-mail: gnovak@calstatela.edu
Dr. Novak is an expert on mineralogy, X-ray crystallography and computer applications in geology. He is a frequent lecturer and has published many articles on his areas of expertise. Novak has spent years collecting mineral specimens in California and has photographs of a large number of crystal groups. Novak co-authored with Bob Desharnais, professor of Biology, an interactive virtual application which is part of the Cal State L.A. Electronic Desktop Project, Virtual Earthquake.

Nate Onderdonk
Assistant Professor of Geology; Ph.D., UC Santa Barbara
Contact: (323) 343-2412
Dr. Onderdonk’s areas of expertise include tectonics (faults, earthquakes, plate movements, geologic hazards, southern California faults and tectonics); arctic geology, exploration, and environment (field experience in Greenland, Norway, Svalbard-Arctic Ocean); and Norway and Norwegian geology.
Fluent in: Norwegian.

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