Joseph Hoover Mackin

Joseph Hoover Mackin (1905-1968) was a renowned geologist and Professor at the University of Texas at Austin's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. He held the William Stamps Farish Professorship, an endowed chair, and served as a Visiting Professor before joining permanently in 1962. Known for his groundbreaking work in geomorphology, including the concept of 'the graded river,' he later contributed to engineering geology, structural geology, and lunar rock analysis for NASA's Apollo missions.

Education:

• BA, New York University (1930)
• MA, Columbia University (1932)
• PhD, Columbia University (1937)

Research & Contributions: Mackin pioneered fluvial geomorphology and advised NASA on lunar geology. His fieldwork focused on arid U.S. regions, and he advocated for water conservation through tree removal. His research spanned planetary science, structural geology, and engineering applications.

Awards:

• National Academy of Sciences membership
• Geological Society of America membership
• Lead role in NASA lunar sample analysis

Teaching & Career: Taught geomorphology and structural geology at the University of Washington (28 years) and UT-Austin. Known for dynamic lectures and famously absent-minded quirks, like misplacing his car. Supervised 4 Master’s and 5 PhD students.