John N. Hooker

John N. Hooker serves as Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at the University of the Incarnate Word, teaching courses including Introduction to Environmental Science, Physical Geology, and Water Quality Research. His academic foundation includes B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Geology from The University of Texas at Austin, with additional postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford and instructional experience at Penn State University.

• B.A. in Geology, The University of Texas at Austin
• M.S. in Geology, The University of Texas at Austin
• Ph.D. in Geology, The University of Texas at Austin

Dr. Hooker's research centers on the interplay between chemical reactions and fracturing processes in Earth's crust, examining how mineral reactions influence fracture patterns that host earthquakes and enable fluid circulation. His work bridges structural geology, diagenesis, and hydrogeology, with specific focus on fracture mechanics, cementation processes, and silicate weathering. He develops innovative tools including an earthquake simulator (www.mefisto.org) and experimental approaches using biological systems for mineral breakdown.

His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to understanding fracture patterns, vein formation, and fluid-rock interactions across diverse geological settings from the Marcellus Formation to Ordovician limestones. Recent work integrates field observations with mechanical modeling to unravel the timing and mechanisms of natural fracturing.

As a Research Fellow with the Structural Diagenesis Initiative at UT Austin (www.jsg.utexas.edu/sdi/), he collaborates on cutting-edge research in fracture-diagenesis relationships. His fieldwork spans global locations including Bolivia, Scotland, and Jordan, reflecting the international scope of his research on crustal processes.

Dr. Hooker maintains active engagement in applied geological research, particularly through projects investigating natural fracture systems for resource extraction and environmental applications. His teaching portfolio spans foundational geology courses to specialized environmental science research.