Victor J. Polyak

Victor J. Polyak is a Senior Research Scientist III in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of New Mexico. His research focuses on speleology, paleoclimatology, and cave mineralogy, with particular emphasis on southwestern U.S. caves like Carlsbad Cavern and Grand Canyon systems. He holds a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University (1998).

• Educations: Ph.D., Texas Tech University, 1998

Research interests include reconstructing Holocene/Pleistocene climate via stalagmite analysis, sulfur-related cave formation processes, and Grand Canyon cave chronology linked to Colorado River incision. His work integrates isotope geochemistry, mineralogy, and microfossil studies.

Publications span climatic reconstructions, cave mineral authigenesis, and microbial fossil identification in Lechuguilla Cave. No formal advisees listed in current materials. Active in laboratories like Harding Mine research facilities and involved in field projects in Guadalupe Mountains.