Assistant Professor of Geology and Director, Southwest Geoscience Center

Alex Tye

Alex Tye

Alexander Tye is an Assistant Professor of Geology at Utah Tech University. He is a geologist whose research focuses on tectonic processes involved in building Earth’s large mountain belts. With his student research team, he studies the tectonic evolution of the western United States and the Andes. At Utah Tech, Tye teaches courses in structural geology, stratigraphy and field geology, helping students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Education

Ph.D., Geology

  • University of Michigan, 2019

B.A., Geology

  • Brown University, 2010

Courses

  • GEO 1110 - Physical Geology
  • GEO 2700R - Field Methods in Earth and Environmental Science
  • GEO 2990R - Career Seminar in Earth and Environmental Science
  • GEO 3000 - Geology of National Parks
  • GEO 3500 - Geomorphology
  • GEO 3550 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
  • GEO 3700 - Structural Geology
  • GEO 4600 - Field Geology
  • GEOG 3600 - Introduction to GIS

PREVIOUS TEACHING

  • Tye previously taught as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Michigan for various geology courses.

EXPERIENCE

  • 4.5 years of teaching experience

RESEARCH & INTERESTS

  • Structural geology
  • Tectonics
  • Field geology
  • Stratigraphy

PRESENTATIONS

  • Tye is a regular contributor at the Geological Society of America and American Geophysical Union international conferences.

AWARDS & HONORS

  • Faculty Excellence Award for Best Undergraduate Research Mentor, Utah Tech University, 2025