William Parcell

William Parcell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology at Wichita State University's Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He serves as Director of the Geology Field School and maintains an active research program spanning geological sciences, history of geology, and educational outreach.

• Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from University of Alabama (2000)
• M.S. in Geology from University of Delaware (1997)
• B.S. in Geology from Sewanee: The University of the South (1994)

Dr. Parcell's research spans two primary domains: contemporary geological science and historical geology. His geological research focuses on stratigraphy, sedimentology, field geology, and sedimentary basin analysis, with particular expertise in microbialite systems, carbonate sedimentology, and sequence stratigraphy. His second major research thrust involves historical geology, particularly the translation and analysis of works by 17th-century Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher. His recent publications include complete translations of Kircher's Itinerarium Exstaticum (1656) and Iter Exstaticum II (1657), examining early conceptualizations of the cosmos and subterranean world. Dr. Parcell also maintains strong interests in decision-making methodologies in geology, incorporating expert systems, many-valued logic, and subjective probability.

Analysis of Dr. Parcell's publication record reveals a distinctive dual trajectory in his scholarly work. On one hand, he produces contemporary geological research focused on Jurassic and Cretaceous stratigraphy in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming, with particular attention to microbialites, sedimentary systems, and resource assessment. On the other hand, he has developed a significant body of work translating and analyzing historical geological texts, particularly those of Athanasius Kircher, bridging historical scholarship with modern geological understanding. This interdisciplinary approach connects 17th-century scientific thought with contemporary geological practice, creating a unique niche at the intersection of history, philosophy, and earth sciences.

As Director of the Geology Field School, Dr. Parcell leads both traditional in-person field camps in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming and Montana, as well as innovative virtual Minecraft gamified field experiences. His educational initiatives extend to K-12 outreach, as evidenced by his work on shrink-swell clays for middle school students. The Field School benefits from the Woolsey Family Fund, which provides substantial fee scholarships for participating students.

Dr. Parcell maintains active research collaborations with colleagues at Wichita State University and beyond, particularly in the areas of sedimentary basin analysis, microbialite characterization, and historical geology. His work with the MUNDUS digital archive project demonstrates his commitment to preserving and making accessible historical earth science inquiry. His most recent projects include comprehensive translations of Kircher's major geological works and continued field-based research in the Bighorn Basin region, with a focus on Jurassic stratigraphy and sedimentary systems.