Oliver Tschauner

Oliver Tschauner is a Research Professor in the Department of Geoscience at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He holds a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Cologne (1994) and a Ph.D. in Geosciences from the same institution (1997). His research focuses on mineralogy under extreme conditions, particularly the mineral chemistry of Earth's deep interior (transition zone and lower mantle) and processes associated with large asteroid impacts. He investigates rare, micro-scale minerals formed under high-pressure/high-temperature conditions, complementing experimental high-pressure geo/mineral-physics studies.

His research employs advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in his laboratory (SEB 3118) and shockwave experiments in TEC 120. Notable contributions include the discovery of bridgmanite in shocked meteorites and the identification of novel high-pressure minerals like ahrensite and tissintite.

He teaches advanced courses such as GEOL 420/620 (X-ray diffraction) and GEOL 452X/652X (Advanced Mineralogy). His work bridges field observations with laboratory experimentation, advancing understanding of planetary materials under extreme conditions.