David Mayo

David Mayo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Sciences at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, where he has served since 2011 after teaching at California State University, Los Angeles. He is a key architect of UAFS's geoscience program.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Geoscience from University of Southern California (1996)
• M.S. in Geology from California State University, Los Angeles (1990)
• B.S. in Music from University of Texas at Arlington (1982)

Dr. Mayo's research bridges hard rock geology and pedagogy, with significant contributions in petrology, geochemistry, and structural geology. His geoscience education work focuses on curriculum development and field-based learning methodologies that prepare students for professional geoscience careers.

He directed three National Science Foundation grants that enabled the 2016 launch of UAFS's Bachelor of Science in Geoscience program. By spring 2024, this program had expanded to 60+ majors with 25 alumni either employed as professional geoscientists or pursuing fully funded graduate studies nationwide. His leadership as past chair of the Geological Society of America's Geoscience Education Division underscores his national impact.