Office: 355 Williamson Hall
Phone Number: 352-846-2414
Cell Number: +1 352 870 4642
Mailing Address:
Department of Geological Sciences
University of Florida
241 Williamson Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611
e-mail: jmeert at ufl.edu



Research Interests: Broadly speaking, I am interested in the paleogeography of the Proterozoic Eon and how paleogeography influences climate, the biosphere and the tectosphere.   My research team uses a toolbox aimed at learning where (paleomagnetism) a particular piece of the Earth's crust was located and when (geochronology) it occupied that space.  By obtaining coeval paleomagnetic data from multiple cratons, we can establish past paleogeographic maps.  During the Proterozoic, at least two supercontinents are thought to have formed.  The first is named Columbia (also Nuna) and the second younger supercontinent is called Rodinia.  We are also interested in the origin, structure and evolution of the Earth's magnetic field.  Our other research focus is aimed at tools/techniques/strategies to recruit and expand opportunities in the Geosciences to under-represented groups.  I insist that all my students have a field experience as part of their degree.

Laboratory Facilities: We host modern paleomagnetic and geochronology laboratories housed in Williamson Hall.  There are also a suite of preparatory labs.  

Current Students:
Anthony Pivarunas- Ph.D. expected 2019
Scott Miller-Ph.D. expected 2020
Kelli Roderus- BS expected 2019
Claudia Banks- B.S. expected 2020
Connor "Patrick" Harris, BS expected 2021

Research Team In the News

Supercontinents (in Italian)
Hyperactive magnetic field in the Ediacaran
Scientific American Ediacaran Extinction
Trilobite Origins



Courses Taught: 

GLY2100C- Historical Geology (4 credits)- Spring Semester as needed
GLY4750L- Field Methods in Geology (2 credits): Preparatory field camp course for B.S. majors (Fall term)
GLY4790- Field Camp (6 credits): 6 week field course based in Taos, New Mexico (Summer A term)
GLY4930- Undergraduate Seminar (1 credit): Fall and Spring Semesters.
GLY6930- Graduate Specialty Courses (3 credits)-Spring Semester.  Special topics in Geology.  Previous courses were 'Global Tectonics'; 'Paleomagnetism' and 'Petroleum Geology'

Other Links:

Paleomagnetic Lab
Research Page
Students and Visiting Scholars
Publications
Curriculum Vitae

Famous Quotes:

"All this Science, I don't understand...it's just my job 5 days a week".  Elton John Rocket Man
"Don't forget the crustaceans"