Jesse Moore Kelsch

My primary field of research and teaching is Structural Geology, or the deformation (smooshing, stretching, breaking, folding...) recorded in the rocks of Earth's outer layer as a result of plate-tectonic stresses.  Currently I'm conducting a kinematic analysis of faults of the southern segment of the Rio Grande rift in Trans-Pecos Texas and northern Chihuahua, toward comparing the rock deformation in this segment of the rift with its northern counterpart in New Mexico. My results will have implications for (1) patterns in rocks that help with exploration of resources including ground water, and (2) what kind of continental rift this is, and maybe even what's happening in the mantle to make it happen.  This research is part of a PhD study through the University of Texas at El Paso, from whom I'll receive a PhD for this and other research projects in 2023. I have plenty of ideas for field-based research projects at the undergraduate and graduate levels within these and other areas of study. If you are an incoming graduate student, or a transferring undergraduate interested in doing research, contact me by email to talk about possible research projects. 

I also have great interest in science education in general and Geoscience Education in particular, and am an active member of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers.  

Additionally, I serve on the board of the local nonprofit Alpine Humane Society.