Emily M. Peterman

Emily M. Peterman is an Associate Professor of Earth and Oceanographic Science at Bowdoin College, currently on leave for the 2025–2026 academic year. She specializes in studying mountain belt evolution and micro-to-nanoscale mineral processes using petrology, geochemistry, and geochronology. Her lab employs advanced techniques like SEM, EBSD, and cathodoluminescence to analyze mineral recrystallization and deformation.

Education:

• PhD, University of California, Santa Barbara (2009)
• BA, Geology and Spanish, Middlebury College (2004)
• Universidad SEK, Segovia, Spain (2003)

Research Interests: Peterman investigates tectonic processes through mineral-scale analysis, focusing on metamorphic reactions, crustal evolution, and nanoscale trace element mobility. Her work bridges structural geology with geochemical methods to decode Earth's dynamic history.

Publications: Her recent articles emphasize Appalachian tectonics, nanogeochronology, and metamorphic petrology. Trends show strong focus on integrating field geology with atom-scale microscopy to resolve complex orogenic processes.

Grants & Collaborations:

• NSF Tectonics Grant (2020–2023) for hosting the 6th Structural Geology and Tectonics Forum.
• NSF Petrology Grant (2017–2023) for ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism research in Greece/Bulgaria with UMass-Amherst.
• Co-directs Bowdoin's SEM Lab with EDS/EBSD/CL capabilities, supporting >600 students.