Welcome to the Department of Geosciences at the University of Cincinnati, a program with high-caliber faculty and a strong research reputation. We strive to provide our undergraduate and graduate students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a broad range of careers. We teach and conduct research in many areas of the geosciences including paleontology, hydrogeology, geomorphology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, tectonics, environmental geology, and biogeochemistry. Our faculty maintain high-tech laboratories and conduct field work all over the world and our students are involved every step of the way.
Quick Contacts:
Main office phone: 513-556-3732
Interim Department Head - Aaron Diefendorf, diefenan@ucmail.uc.edu
Program Director, Departmental Advisor - Krista Smilek, smilekka@ucmail.uc.edu
Business Manager - Stacey Ludwig, ludwigsy@ucmail.uc.edu
Financial Administrator 2 - Sarah Hammer, tritscsh@ucmail.uc.edu
Instrumentation Specialist - Owen Cowling, cowlinon@ucmail.uc.edu
Undergraduate Director - Dylan Ward, dylan.ward@uc.edu
Graduate Director - Andrew Czaja, czajaaw@ucmail.uc.edu
March 2, 2026
An expert on global mass extinctions at the University of Cincinnati provided context to a new study examining the spread of the first land plants on Earth between 360 million and 540 million years ago.
February 25, 2026
Scientific American highlighted a new study by the University of Cincinnati that unveils a new theory about why female caribou have antlers.
February 24, 2026
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that female caribou feed extensively on shed antlers they find while grazing to supplement their diet with important minerals they need to raise calves. This could explain why female caribou, unique among deer, have antlers.