Ken MacLeod

Ken MacLeod is a Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Missouri, where he co-oversees the stable isotope laboratory with Dr. Cheryl Kelley. His research focuses on reconstructing greenhouse climates, mass extinctions, and paleoceanographic dynamics using integrated paleontological, geochemical, and sedimentological methods. Major themes include Cretaceous ocean circulation patterns (using Nd/oxygen isotopes), temperature evolution during greenhouse intervals, and Ordovician climate history derived from conodont oxygen isotopes.

His research interests center on paleoceanographic responses to climate transitions, isotopic proxies for ancient temperatures, high-latitude climate dynamics, mass extinction mechanisms, and sedimentary records of global change. Recent work emphasizes Cretaceous greenhouse-to-coolhouse transitions, oceanic anoxic events, and Deccan volcanism impacts.

Professor MacLeod teaches diverse courses including Principles of Geology, Environmental Geology, Age of Dinosaurs, Sedimentary Environments, Principles of Paleontology, and specialized graduate topics like Geologic History of Atmospheric Oxygen and Ancient Greenhouse Climates.

He co-manages the university's stable isotope laboratory, supporting geochemical analyses for paleoclimate reconstructions. Research collaborations involve international ocean drilling programs (IODP), with fieldwork spanning Antarctica, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean.