About

CURRICULUM VITA

Steven Losh

Dept. of Chemistry and Geology, FH241

Minnesota State University

Mankato, MN 56001

Steven.losh@mnsu.edu (email)

 

Education

Ph.D. Geology, 1985, Yale University, “Fluid-Rock Interaction in an Evolving Ductile Shear Zone and Across the Brittle-Ductile Transition, Neouvielle Massif, France.” This project involved petrologic, structural, and stable isotopic analysis of retrograde greenschist-facies shear zones in the French Pyrenees.

B.S. Geological Engineering, with high scholastic honors, 1979, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado

Professional Experience

2013 (July) – present. Professor, Dept. of Chemistry and Geology, Minnesota State University, Mankato MN

  • Teaching: Taught Oceanography (2013, 2014, 2016, 2016, 2017), Physical Geology (lab, 2017), Mineralogy (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Petroleum and Ore Deposits Geology (developed new course, 2013, 2015); Petrology (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Structural Geology (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017); Field Methods in Northern Minnesota (2014, 2016)
  • Research: Continued work on fault mechanics of Heart Mountain Detachment, Wyoming, and Mormon Mountains, Nevada; oxidation and silica remobilization in Biwabik Iron Formation, Minnesota

2009 – 2013. Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Geology, Minnesota State University, Mankato MN

  • Teaching: Developed and taught General Education course in Oceanography (2009, 2010, fully online in 2011), taught Mineralogy (2009, 2010, 2011), Earth Science for Elementary Education Majors (2009, 2010), Lithology (Petrology and Petrography) (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), Structural Geology (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), Field Methods in Northern Minnesota (2011).
  • Research:
    • PI on $226K grant for new X-ray diffractometer, funded by NSF Major Research Instrumentation program
    • Appointed to Graduate Research Faculty 2011
    • Continued work on research topics listed below.

2005 (Fall) – July 2009. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Geology, Minnesota State University, Mankato MN.

  • Teaching: Developed and taught General Education Introductory Environmental Geology, with labs, to classes of 72 to 96 (Fall 2005, Spring 2006, Spring 2007, Spring 2008), Earth Science for Elementary Education Majors (Fall 2008); Mineralogy (Fall 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008); Field Methods in Northern Minnesota (Summer 2006, 2007, 2008), Structural Geology (Fall 2006, Spring 2009); Lithology (Petrology and Petrography) (Spring 2008, Spring 2009). All courses were very highly rated by students.
  • Research:
  • – Fluid flow in growth faults associated with a large oil and gas field, offshore Louisiana: nature, flux, and mechanical effects.
  • – Gas – oil interactions in the Gulf of Mexico subsurface (in collaboration with Prof. Dan Swart, Minn. State Univ. and Mr. Stan Teerman, Chevron Corp.): gas chromatography of phase-fractionated oils obtained from Chevron Corp; fluid pressure evolution in Tiger Shoals field, offshore Louisiana. Funded by Minnesota State University.
  • – Fluid-rock interaction and the formation of high-grade iron ore in the Mesabi Iron Range, Minnesota (funded by Minnesota State University and in 2008 – 2012 by Cliffs Technology Group, Ishpeming MI): field, fluid inclusion, mineralogical, X-ray diffraction, and geochemical study of alteration related to fluid flow through Precambrian banded iron formation.
  •   -Mechanics of emplacement of large gravity-slide blocks in southern Nevada (in collaboration with Prof. Mark Anders, Columbia Univ.; Prof. Brian Wernicke, Calif. Institute of Technology): cathodoluminescence and stable isotope studies of fault breccias (Funded by Minnesota State University)
  • – Supervised undergraduate research in projects listed above.

2010 – present. Adjunct Associate Professor, Institute for the Study of the Continents (INSTOC), Cornell University

2006 – 2010. Adjunct Assistant Professor, Institute for the Study of the Continents (INSTOC), Cornell University.

2003 – 2008 (summers). Lecturer, Cornell University.

  • Developed and taught 3-credit introductory Earth Systems Science course to small classes (less than 20 students) of non-science majors, using Skinner, Porter, and Botkin’s The Blue Planet as the text. Incorporated laboratory, critical thinking writing exercises, and field trip.

2004 – 2005 (Spring). Adjunct faculty, Department of Geology, State University of New York College at Cortland (SUNY Cortland), Cortland, NY.

  • Developed and taught web-based Earth History course to three classes of over 100 highly diverse non-science majors. The course was a novel survey of the history of the individual Earth ‘spheres’ (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere) and their interactions, followed by focused description of paleoclimate (including the carbon cycle) and natural resources.
  • Developed and taught Earth Science portion, including four lab sections, of Integrated Geology and Biology to two classes of 120 elementary education majors.
  • Both courses were highly rated on Course/Teacher Evaluation surveys.

1992-2003.  Research Associate, Cornell University.

  • Directed geologic and geochemical data collection and interpretation for $1.6M Gas Research Institute – funded project, offshore Louisiana (Lawrence Cathles, PI) (1996-2003).  My work focused on obtaining and integrating geologic and geochemical data to quantify subsurface multiphase fluid flow at several sites in the Gulf of Mexico, synthesizing research on physical properties and evolution of fault zones, organic and inorganic diagenesis in faults and reservoirs, fault juxtaposition mapping, fluid pressure analysis, brine and organic geochemical studies, petroleum systems analysis, seismic interpretation using Landmark Graphics Corp. software and GoCAD 3D display.
  • Obtained and administered (as PI) $2.3M – valued seismic processing/interpretation software grant from Landmark Graphics Corp. (1997-2006)
  • Performed consulting work for Exxon Production Research (now ExxonMobil Upstream Research) on fault-hosted fluid flow in the Gulf of Mexico (1994-1995), and depth conversion of 3D seismic survey for Permedia Research Group, Ottawa CA (2003).
  •  Managed three-year $1.2M field coring/geology/geochemistry program for a U.S. Dept. of Energy – funded drilling project offshore Louisiana (Roger Anderson, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, overall PI) (1992-1995); played vital role in writing $10M grant for that project; led industry advisory group to develop a procedure by which we successfully cored difficult materials at up to 100 times the industry rates; directed PI’s at four universities; reported quarterly progress to Department of Energy; conducted research on geology and geochemical signals of fluid flow in oilfield growth fault.

1991, 1992, 1995 (summers). Taught entire four-week, 4-credit undergraduate field geology course in Colorado for Cornell and Harvard University geology majors in 1991 and 1992; taught two weeks in 1995. The course required proficiency in teaching traditional stratigraphy, structural geology in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks, mapping in volcanic rocks, and Quaternary stratigraphy. The course consisted of one-week mapping projects from which the geologic history of each area was determined, and a four-day field excursion. We worked from a mobile base camp. Course rating system was not in place at this time; student comments were very positive.

1992. Developed and taught 1-credit graduate course on stable isotope geochemistry, Cornell University, Spring semester.

1987– 1992. Consultant and Visiting Scientist, Cornell University.

  • Initiated and carried out field mapping and sampling, consulting, and research related to gold exploration in the western U.S. (Kennecott/BP Minerals, Fischer-Watt Gold Co, Noramco Ltd., Maguire Foundation) and geologic analysis of oil-producing regions (Exxon, Global Basins Research Network). One major self-directed project elucidated controls on Carlin-type (structurally-controlled sediment-hosted) gold mineralization in Nevada; another focused on developing geochemical exploration guides for a wide range of gold occurrences in the Great Basin based on igneous petrology; another involved detailed evaluation (as lead geologist) of ore potential in a complexly-deformed contact metamorphic aureole in central Idaho, including field geophysics, extensive mapping, and structural, petrographic, and geochemical analysis.
  • Worked closely with faculty at Cornell and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory to develop broad conceptual basis for multi-institution hydrocarbon resource research group, the Global Basins Research Network. This group ultimately received over $3M of industry sponsorship over a period of ten years. During this period, I wrote code for digitization of seismic lines and compilation using Landmark Graphics seismic interpretation and display software, and digitized data for a large area in the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Conceived, facilitated, and informally oversaw Ph.D. research of a Univ. of Waterloo (Ontario) student (Ross Sherlock) on the McLaughlin Mine, a major hot-spring gold deposit in the California Coast Ranges.
  • Initiated and executed field-based research project at the Picacho Mine and surroundings, California, with E. Craig Jowett (Univ. of Waterloo). The deposit is in crystalline rocks that have been multiply deformed by Tertiary extensional faults.
  • Chaired an all-day session at the 1990 Geological Society of Canada annual meeting: “Ore Deposits In The Context Of Large Hydrothermal Systems.”

1985 – 1987. Consultant and Visiting Scholar, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA. Research centered on self-initiated field-based structural geologic and geochemical studies of fluid flow in regional low-angle normal faults in the southwestern U.S. and its application to gold exploration. Obtained funding from private source.

1982-1985 (part time). Teaching assistant, Dept. of Geology, Yale University, six semesters. Prepared material, taught labs and lecture classes, graded papers in paleontology (Prof. John Ostrom), geomorphology (Prof. Robert Gordon), and physical geology (Prof. Brian Skinner). Was head Teaching Assistant in physical geology course one semester, supervising five other TA’s.

1979-1981.    Geological Engineer, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO. Carried out paleoseismicity and seismic hazard studies for large dams throughout the western U.S. The work involved remote sensing and regional reconnaissance mapping, logging trenches across active faults, correlating Quaternary stratigraphic units, analyzing patterns of seismicity, and evaluating local seismic hazards to dams and nearby areas. Coordinated work with other Bureau personnel. Ultimately designated as the lead investigator for a complex seismic hazards study in central New Mexico.

Professional and community service

  • Associate Editor, Bulletin of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (Jan. 2007 – 2014). Reviewed manuscripts.
  • Co-chaired session at 59th Annual Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies conference: “Visualization, Geochemistry, and Interpretation of Geologic Systems” (2009)
  • Service at Minnesota State University:
  • o   Minnesota Undergraduate Scholars steering committee; Posters at St. Paul co-organizer
  • o   Chair, Chemistry and Geology Dept. Strategic Planning Committee (2013)
  • o   Undergraduate Research Council (2011-14)
  • o   Chemistry and Geology Dept. Personnel Committee chair (2011-12, 2013-17)
  • o   Undergraduate Research Conference Steering Committee (2009 – 2011)
  • o   Selection Committee, Douglas R. Moore Faculty Research Lectureship (2009–11, 2014; Chair of committee 2011)
  • o   Geology Curriculum committee (ad hoc): expanded Geology program from minor to Option (substantially a major) (2005 – present); involved in numerous curricular advances
  • o   Screening/interview/selection committee for Geology faculty hire (2006-07)
  • o   Web liaison and library liaison for Department (2006–07)
  • o   Department Assessment Committee (2007 – present)
  • o   University General Education Category 3 Assessment Committee (2007-08, 2016-17) and Category 10 Assessment Committee (2010–11)
  • o   CSET Public Relations Committee (2007–08)
  • o   Faculty advisor for student group Chi Alpha (2006 – present)
  • o   Faculty advisor for students in Geology program
  • o   Faculty mentor for 4 students in University-funded projects
  • Reviewed proposals for National Science Foundation, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and American Chemical Society – Petroleum Research Fund (1999 – present)
  • Reviewed manuscripts submitted to Economic Geology, Journal of Fuel Processing Technology, Tectonics, Journal of Geoscience Education, Geology, and Bulletin of American Association of Petroleum Geologists
  • Reviewed EarthComm high-school teaching material on Earth Resources, published by It’s About Time, Herff Jones Education Division (2000); served as content advisor for A Pebble’s First Guide to Rocks and Minerals (2008, Capstone Press, Mankato MN)
  • Taught Geology in a variety of community settings, from a poster and rock presentation on Minnesota River Valley geology at the Harkin Store near New Ulm MN (July 2009) and at the Rasmussen Nature Center (Mankato MN) (April 2011), to groups touring the Geology facilities in Ford Hall to numerous groups (2006-present), to a Powerpoint presentation on the Iron Range at the October 2008 meeting of the Minnesota Valley Gem and Mineral Society, to a presentation on oil in the Williston Basin (North Dakota) to a group of civic leaders in Madelia MN (December 2008), to hands-on activities related to rocks and minerals to third-graders and Cub Scout troops (April 2011, 2009, and earlier), to demonstrations of groundwater flow to numerous 4-H and school groups, to water quality monitoring and leading local geology field trips with groups of youth (1988 – present).
  • President, Minnesota Valley Gem and Mineral Club (2012-present). Organized programs, led meetings, gave talks (meteorites, Ford Rock Park tour, Mankato Childrens’ Museum activity), co-led community outreach activities at local fairs
  • Mentored college students, served as staff advisor to several Cornell campus student groups (1998 – 2005), and served as a Faculty Fellow assigned to an undergraduate dormitory at Cornell (2003 – 2005).
  • Conducted weekly church services at Hillcrest Nursing Home, Mankato MN (2007- present); weekly Bible studies for inmates at the Nicolet County jail, St. Peter MN (2007 – present)
  • Led numerous teen group activities in 4H: fishing, overnight canoe trips, hiking (climbed Mt. Marcy, highest peak in New York State, among others), mineral collecting, community service, plant genetics project, water quality monitoring. Judged 4H youth public presentations at local to State level. (1994 – 2005)
  • Volunteered at Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, Ithaca, primarily befriending, counseling, and advocating for individuals and families who use the Soup Kitchen’s services (1995 – 2005)
  • Met weekly with teenage boys in the Gossett Center, a correctional facility in Lansing NY (2004 – 2005)
  • Served on Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County Board of Directors (1995)

Teaching interests

                  Mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, tectonics, geochemistry, petroleum geology, economic geology, environmental geology, introductory and historical geology, Earth systems science

Research interests

            Fault zone processes, particularly regarding the nature of, and controls on, fluid flow in faults from mechanical, geochemical, and petrologic perspectives; Petroleum systems, particularly with respect to mechanisms of migration and entrapment of hydrocarbons in the Gulf of Mexico; organic and inorganic geochemistry in sedimentary basins, particularly as applied to hydrocarbon exploration and production; ore deposits

Professional affiliations

American Geophysical Union

American Association of Petroleum Geologists

Institute on Lake Superior Geology

Grants, honors, awards

2013                 Minnesota State University Faculty Research Grant: “High-temperature faulting, Heart Mountain Detachment, Wyoming,“ $4955

2012                 Minnesota State University “Big Ideas” grant (co-PI): “Culturing applied problem solvers for today’s workplace: Launch of Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree Programs”, $244,000 (two years). My portion, to design and launch an Earth Resources PSM, is $17,000.

2010                 Faculty Research Grant, Minnesota State University, “The Role of Fluids in Fault Movement, Mormon Mountains, Nevada”, $4995

2009                 National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation program – PI on “MRI: Acquisition of an X-ray diffractometer for research and training in a multidisciplinary environment”, $226,900 (two years, extended to a third year)

2009                 External Funding Grant (Minnesota State University), “Acquisition of a Fluid inclusion stage for research and training in geological sciences”, $20,500

2009                 2nd place, Anthony Philpott Excellence in Presentation Award, 59th Annual Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies, Shreveport LA

2008                 Douglas R. Moore Faculty Research Lectureship, Minnesota State University: “Plumbing the Depths: Fluid Movement and the Search for Petroleum”

2007-present     Associate Editor, Bulletin of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists

2008                 Cliffs Technology Group, Ishpeming MI, “Silica Redistribution in the Mesabi Iron Range, Minnesota”, $9055 (two years)

2007                 Faculty Research Grant, Minnesota State University, “Controls on High-Grade Iron Ore in the Mesabi Iron Range, Minnesota”, $4950

2005                 Faculty Research Grant, Minnesota State University, “Gas Washing: A Key to Locating Deep Hydrocarbons”, $4955