Ethan Baxter

Ethan Baxter is a Professor in the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences at Boston College. His research focuses on isotope geochemistry, geochronology, tectonics, metamorphism, and Earth history. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.S. from Yale University. His work integrates field geology, petrology, and numerical modeling to understand Earth's crust-mantle-surface interactions.

Research highlights include studies on garnet petrochronology, subduction zone processes, and the application of isotopic methods to track geological events. Notable projects span field areas in Europe, Asia, and North America. He leads the TIMS Facility in the Center for Isotope Geochemistry, offering advanced geochronological tools. Baxter actively mentors students, including recent alumni focusing on REE deposits, tectonic evolution, and subduction zone geochemistry.

Publications emphasize metamorphic processes, fluid-rock interactions, and Earth history. Recent work explores garnet growth dynamics, redox changes in subduction zones, and sediment provenance using Rb-Sr isotope fingerprinting. His educational outreach includes the Every Rock Has A Story YouTube series, nominated for a Regional Emmy, promoting geoscience literacy among children and educators.