Martin B. Lagoe

Dr. Martin B. Lagoe (1951-1995) was a Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin, affiliated with the Jackson School of Geosciences. A renowned micropaleontologist, he specialized in applying quantitative methods to stratigraphic and paleoceanographic problems, bridging academia and industry. His career spanned exploration geology at ARCO and academic roles, including a Visiting Professorship at Aarhus University (Denmark, 1993).

• Education: BS in Geology (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1973), MS (University of Wisconsin-Madison), PhD (Stanford University, 1980).
• Research: Focused on Neogene/Pliocene climate dynamics, quantitative biostratigraphy, and micropaleontological applications in petroleum exploration. His work spanned regions from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico.

Lagoe pioneered courses in quantitative stratigraphy and supervised 12 graduate students (3 PhD, 9 MA). He earned the Houston Oil and Minerals Faculty Excellence Award (1994-95) and was actively involved in professional societies (SEPM, AAPG, GSA), serving on editorial boards and conference committees. His legacy includes over 30 publications and a dedicated 'extended family' of students.

Outside academia, Lagoe was celebrated for his culinary expertise and mineral collecting hobby, often hosting gatherings and showcasing specimens. His interdisciplinary collaborations with UT’s Institute for Geophysics and institutions like Rice University further enriched his research impact.