معرفی
Dr. Sarah Dean serves as Assistant Professor in the Geological and Environmental Sciences Department at Hope College, where she has taught since 2020 following six years as a production and exploration geologist in the Permian Basin and Gulf of Mexico oil and gas industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in Earth Science from Rice University (2014) and a B.S. in Geology from Hope College (2009).
Her research centers on salt and shale tectonics in the Gulf of Mexico using physical clay modeling to simulate geological processes, with implications for petroleum systems and geologic hazards. Previous work includes numerical modeling of fold-thrust belts and seismic studies of Atlantic rifting margins.
Publications consistently address structural deformation mechanisms through computational and physical modeling approaches across diverse tectonic settings.
Scientific recognition includes:
- Julia Van Raalte Reimold Faculty Study Award (Nyenhuis program), Hope College, 2022
- Wichers Fund for Faculty Development grant (Nyenhuis program), Hope College, 2021
She actively mentors undergraduate researchers in laboratory experiments and field studies, with grant funding supporting student participation in physical modeling and geological fieldwork.
Her research program integrates hands-on clay modeling experiments with regional field investigations, including annual trips to Utah and local Michigan dune systems.
