Rory Cottrell

Rory Cottrell is a Research Scientist in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Rochester, where he has served since 2003. He also holds an adjunct lecturer position and has been affiliated with the Paleomagnetic Research Group led by John Tarduno. His academic journey includes a B.A. in Geophysics from SUNY Geneseo (1994), an M.S. (1998), and a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from the University of Rochester (2000).

His research focuses on paleomagnetism, particularly geomagnetic field intensity, hotspot motion, and plate tectonics. Key areas include Paleointensity, Cretaceous paleomagnetism, and experimental methods for magnetic measurement. He has conducted fieldwork in the Canadian Arctic, Gulf Coast, and aboard the Ocean Drilling Program Leg 197.

Cottrell teaches courses such as EES 201 (Evolution of Earth), EES 256 (Paleomagnetism and Plate Tectonics), and EES 205 (Solid Earth Geophysics). He actively mentors K-12 students and contributes to community programs like Science Olympiad and geology tours at Mt. Hope Cemetery. His awards include the 1998 AGU Outstanding Student Paper Award and Magna Cum Laude honors from SUNY Geneseo.

He serves as a referee for journals like Journal of Geophysical Research and Earth and Planetary Science Letters, and chairs sessions at the American Geophysical Union. His work bridges academic research, education, and public engagement in geosciences.