David F. Naar

David F. Naar is the Associate Dean and Professor of Geological Oceanography at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science. He holds a Ph.D. from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (1990), an M.S. from UC San Diego (1984), and a B.A. from UC Santa Barbara (1982). His research focuses on marine magnetics, mid-ocean ridge dynamics, plate tectonics, and seafloor mapping, with fieldwork spanning the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. He leads projects such as the University Center for Exemplary Mentoring (UCEM) and NOAA-funded deep coral reef mapping initiatives.

Naar’s work integrates multibeam sonar, magnetic/gravity data, and wax analog models to study seafloor spreading and off-axis volcanism. Key projects include reconstructing Pacific-Nazca plate tectonics and analyzing submerged reef terraces in the Maldives. He has received prestigious awards for his contributions to geophysical research and graduate education.

• Current Roles: Associate Dean, Professor of Geological Oceanography
• Committees: Member of USF’s Marine Science Department committees (Budget, Fellowship, Library, Search)
• Courses Taught: Advanced Oceanography, Geological Oceanography, Plate Tectonics

His research teams collaborate with NOAA, USGS, and NSF, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to seafloor habitat mapping and climate-related ocean changes.