My research and teaching are focused at the cross-roads of ductile structural geology, metamorphic petrology, geochronology, igneous petrology, and most of all, tectonics. Much of my research has involved Precambrian rocks (southwestern U.S.A., northern Canada, Adirondack Mtns), but I am increasingly involved with rocks of western New England. I am particularly interested in finding better ways to “read” the P-T-t-D (i.e. Pressure-Temperature-time-Deformation) paths from deformed and metamorphosed rocks, and interpreting the paths in terms of the tectonic history that produced them. I love field work but I also love working with the electron microprobe and computer models.

I received a B.A. in geology from Amherst College, an M.S. from the University of Arizona, and a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico. I have been a faculty member at the University of Massachusetts since 1987. I have served as Head of the Department of Geosciences and have served one term on the University Faculty Senate Rules Committee.

Contact: mlw at umass.edu