Wentao Cao

Dr. Wentao Cao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences at SUNY Fredonia. His research focuses on petrology, geochemistry, and tectonics, with fieldwork in the Grenville Province (Canada), Central Qiangtang (Tibet), South Brasilia Orogen (Brazil), and Botswana.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Geoscience, University of Iowa
  • M.S. and B.S. in Geology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing)

Dr. Cao's research investigates critical minerals, metamorphic petrology, and continental tectonics using thermodynamic modeling and field studies. His work on exhumation processes and crustal melting has been published in journals like Tectonics, American Mineralogist, and Geological Society of America Bulletin.

Recent articles highlight trends in critical mineral exploration, ultrahigh-pressure tectonics, and metamorphic evolution across multiple orogenic belts. His studies integrate field observations with geochemical and geochronological analyses to unravel crustal and mantle dynamics.

• Scientific Awards:
  • William T. and Charlotte N. Hagan Young Scholar Award (2024)
  • Costello Interplay Award (2020)
  • Instructional Incentive Award (2020)

Dr. Cao has secured internal and external grants as PI, co-PI, or collaborator and serves as Associate Editor for journals including Geochemistry, Geosphere, and Lithosphere. He has co-authored 17 research papers and contributed to 31 conference presentations.