Bill Sullivan

Bill Sullivan is the Whipple-Coddington Associate Professor of Geology at Colby College, specializing in structural geology and tectonics.

• Colby College (2020–Present)
• Chair of the Geology Department (2015–2022; 2024–2025)

Education:

• Ph.D. in Geology, University of Wyoming, 2007
• M.S. in Geology, Virginia Tech, 2003
• B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Concord University, 2001

Dr. Sullivan’s research focuses on deformation mechanisms, strain localization, and the structural geology of western North America. He investigates fault processes at the brittle-viscous transition and microstructural evolution in tectonic settings.

His publications span topics such as hydrothermal electrochemical gradients, strike-slip fault rheology, and transpressional deformation. These works often involve field studies in the Cheyenne belt, Klamath Mountains, and Great Basin.

Scientific Awards:

• Whipple-Coddington Associate Professorship

Dr. Sullivan has collaborated with undergraduate researchers and published extensively in journals like the Journal of Structural Geology and the Geological Society of America Bulletin.