Friday, March 16, 2012

USA, Nevada:


James Faulds 
(Courtesy Nevada Bureau of 
Mines and Geology) 
James Faulds will become the new State Geologist and Director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology at the University of Nevada, Reno, replacing Jonathan Price when Price retires at the end of June. He is a long-time member of the Geothermal Resources Council (GRC).

Faulds has been with the bureau of mines and geology since 1997 and has done expansive research within the prestigious program.

“I hope to serve the citizens of Nevada by providing them with the best possible geological survey while also continuing our role as a premier research department at the University,” Faulds said. The NBMG is a public service department of the University’s College of Science.



An expert in structural geology, tectonics and geothermal systems, Faulds has headed a variety of fieldwork projects in well-known Nevadan mining and geothermal resource areas. His studies through the University have been widely published and his geothermal research has helped innovate the field by developing more sophisticated and complex exploration strategies for geothermal systems.

“Our studies not only bring in several million dollars each year to the University, but more importantly foster economic growth and diversity in the region in many areas, including mining of precious metals, geothermal energy development, and assessments of other natural resources,” Faulds stated.

In addition to his research and fieldwork, Faulds has been the director of the University’s geology field camp for five years, served as an advisor for 14 graduate students and is the current president of the Nevada Petroleum Society. Faulds has taught courses in a variety of scientific subjects including structural geology, tectonics, geothermal exploration and field geology.

“I am looking forward to maintaining the bureau of mines and geology as one of the nation’s best geological surveys while also integrating it better with the other geoscience units on campus and overall educational mission of the University,” Faulds said. “I truly see some great opportunities in such synergies and am therefore very excited about our collective energy.”

Before joining the Bureau, Faulds held postdoctoral positions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and at the University of Southern California. Faulds received his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Montana, his master’s degree at the University of Arizona and his Ph.D. at the University of New Mexico.