Francis H. Brown

Francis H. Brown serves as Distinguished Professor of Geology and Geophysics and Dean of the College of Mines and Earth Sciences at the University of Utah. A faculty member since 1971 and full-time professor since 1980, he previously chaired the Department of Geology and Geophysics (1988-1991) and has led the college as dean since 1991.

His educational background includes:

• B.A., University of California, Berkeley
• Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley

Dr. Brown's research revolutionizes human evolutionary studies through geological methodologies, specializing in stratigraphic dating of African hominid fossils. His fieldwork combines innovative lab techniques with paleontological analysis, demonstrating how earth sciences directly advance anthropological discovery. The 2001 Nature publication on a 3.5-million-year-old Kenyan hominin skull exemplifies his interdisciplinary approach, revealing critical insights into early human morphology through precise geological context.

His scholarly contributions earned the 2001 Rosenblatt Award, which he redirected to establish a University of Utah endowed fund. President Machen praised his "unparalleled devotion to profession and university," highlighting legendary student mentorship and transformative administrative leadership.

• Rosenblatt Award (2001)