Ignacio Pujana

Ignacio Pujana is a Professor of Instruction in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), within the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He holds a Ph.D. in Geosciences (UTD, 1997), an M.S. in Geology (UTD, 1993), and an M.S. in Geology from the Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia (Argentina, 1985). His career spans over three decades, including roles as Associate Professor of Instruction (2019–2022), Senior Lecturer II (1998–2019), and adjunct faculty at Dallas Community College (1997–1998).

Research focuses on stratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and micropaleontology, particularly Radiolaria in Mesozoic successions of South America and the Gulf of Mexico. He investigates subduction zones (e.g., Mariana Forearc) and has conducted deep-sea expeditions, including a 2010 submersible dive to 6,332 meters. His work integrates undergraduate research, with contributions to over 50 articles and book chapters.

Publications highlight themes like Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary calibration, Gulf of Mexico subsurface correlations, and serpentinization processes. Notable achievements include the Gordon I. Atwater Best Poster Award (2009) and co-PI roles in NSF grants totaling over $332,000. He co-directs UTD’s Micro-Imaging Lab and developed courses like Geography, Resources, and Environment of Latin America to engage Hispanic students.