William M. Dunne

Biography

William M. Dunne received his BS and PhD in geology from University of Bristol, England. He joined the faculty of West Virginia University in 1980, and was promoted to associate professor in 1986. In 1988, he joined UT’s College of Arts and Sciences, was promoted to full professor in 1995, and in 1997 became head of the Department of Geological Sciences. Dunne was appointed as associate dean for research, facilities, and graduate student policy in the College of Arts & Sciences in 2002. In 2009, he was appointed as associate dean for research and technology in the Tickle College of Engineering.

His past research had two foci. The first is improving the understanding of the development of the perimeters of mountain belt particularly in the context of blind thrust systems and the interplay of microscale deformation mechanisms. The second is improving the characterization of fracture systems for hydrocarbon exploration, analysis of the flow of contaminated groundwater, and the strength of manmade structures such as tunnels.

Education

• PhD, Geology, University of Bristol, England – 1980
• BS, Geology, University of Bristol, England – 1977

Responsibilities

• Supporting Faculty and Student Research Success
• Leading Office of Engineering Research
• Leading College Initiatives related to Safety Culture
• Engineering Facilities—capital projects, renovations, maintenance projects, space management, etc.
• Encouraging development and translation of intellectual property
• Supervising College Research Centers (Center for Materials Processing, Center for Transportation Research, Reliability and Maintainability Center, and Scintillation Materials Research Center)

Awards and Recognitions

• Chair, ASEE Engineering Research Council, 2016 – 2018
• Fellow, Geological Society of America, 2009
• Outstanding Service Award, College of Arts & Sciences, 2009
• Editor, Journal of Structural Geology, 2006 – 2019
• Chair, Structural Geology & Tectonics Division, Geological Society of America, 2007