Sean O'Donnell

Sean O'Donnell, PhD

Biography

Dr. O'Donnell joined Cedarville University in August 2024. Previously, he worked as a Geoscience Engineer for OffWorld, Inc. in Pasadena, California. His doctoral research, under the supervision of Dr. James E. Gardner, focused on using field work, laboratory experiments, and computational modeling to investigate multiple processes of explosive volcanic eruptions. Dr. O'Donnell is an active member of the American Geophysical Union, Geological Society of America, and the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior.

Education and Credentials

• PhD in geological sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
• MS in geological sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
• BS in geology, Cedarville University

Scholarly Works

• Density stratification and buoyancy evolution in pyroclastic density currents. (O’Donnell, S. B. et. al.) Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth (2024)
• Microlite crystallization during eruptions at Mt. Mazama: implications for magma ascent. (O’Donnell, S.B., Gardner, J.E.) Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology (2022)

Interests

• Family
• Golf
• Ultimate frisbee
• Board games
• Cooking
• Hiking

Expert Topics

Physical volcanology, igneous petrology, and sediment transport

Why Cedarville?

I came back to Cedarville because of the opportunity to strengthen the geology program and show aspiring geologists how to operate in the field as a Christ-follower. I enjoy teaching students within the worshipful, eternity-focused atmosphere Cedarville provides.