Joshua M. Feinberg, PhD, PG

My students, postdocs, collaborators and I study natural and anthropogenic processes that are important to the evolution of our planet and that impact the health and sustainability of our communities. We use geophysical methods (usually magnetic techniques) in combination with field observations, electron microscopy, and other material characterization techniques to explore processes that operate on global, tectonic, outcrop, and nanometer scales. Our research has uncovered new discoveries about the behavior of the Earth’s magnetic field, tracked environmental change through time, compiled paleoflood histories from stalagmites, investigated archeological sites, monitored groundwater quality in the Twin Cities, and characterized novel magnetic materials. 

The Institute for Rock Magnetism (IRM) has been a national multi-user facility supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the University of Minnesota since 1990.  The IRM is an international hub for research on the magnetic properties of natural and synthetic materials. To advance the frontiers of geomagnetic research we run multiple NSF Visiting Fellowship programs that bring graduate students, postdocs, and faculty to the lab to take advantage of the IRM's well-maintained array of geophysical instrumentation and research expertise.  During odd years the IRM organizes International Conferences on Rock Magnetism and during even years we run Summer Schools in Rock Magnetism. The IRM also publishes the IRM Quarterly, which shares information about new instruments, techniques, meeting reports and historical figures in geomagnetism. We also welcome researchers for extended stays and sabbatical visits. 

Most members of the international geomagnetic community have conducted research at the IRM at some point during their careers. I worked as the Associate Director of the IRM from 2007 to 2023. In 2024 I became the IRM Director. I learn so much from my daily interactions with IRM staff, students, and visitors. The opportunity to welcome others into this discipline and to help them be successful in their research has been the highpoint of my professional career.  

My commitment to undergraduate education is a natural outgrowth of being the son of public school teachers.  Education is the key that allows people to make informed decisions about their future and the health of their extended community. At some point in their lives, all of my undergraduates will be impacted by the effects of environmental change and limited natural resources. A background in Earth and Environmental Sciences is central to understanding these impacts and finding long-lasting solutions that help everyone. My teaching and undergraduate mentoring aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills they will need to be successful in our rapidly changing world.  

I strive to bring clarity and energy to my teaching and to share my love of nature, science, and the outdoors with my students. I also aspire for my students to see why Earth and Environmental Sciences matter to their communities: for clean water and air, for energy to power our homes, and for natural materials that we all use in our modern lives. Whether they are from urban or rural settings, I want to help students feel a connection to the landscape where they live and develop an appreciation for the resources it provides. I want my students to feel prepared to act as stewards of their shared environment.

I teach a range of classes (see below), but I am particularly proud of developing Standards and Practices for Professional Geoscientists (ESCI 5805), which helps students transition from university-life into their first job after graduation.     

In addition to my classroom teaching, I worked for seven years as the Director for Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences (2016-23). During this time I led the effort to establish the B.S. and B.A. programs in Environmental Geosciences, which helped grow our total number of undergraduate majors. In 2022 I helped organize the Earth Educators' Rendezvous, the biennial meeting of the National Association of Geosicence Teachers (NAGT) at the University of Minnesota campus.

In 2024 I began as the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, which serves all five campuses of the University of Minnesota system. 

I have taught the following courses within the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences: Natural Hazards & Disasters (ESCI 1012), Caves and Karst (ESCI 1907), Mineralogy (ESCI 2301), Field Methods in Geology (ESCI 3891), Introductory Field Geology (ESCI 3911), Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism (ESCI 4204), Standards and Practices for Professional Geoscientists (5805), Economic Geology and Mineral Exploration (ESCI 5890). 

I also teach outside of the department in an effort to help attract new students into the geosciences. These courses include, the First Year Experience course for students in the College of Science and Engineering (CSE 1001), an overseas course in northern Italy called Natural Hazards of Climate Change (CSE 1002), and an introductory course in SolidWorks and 3D printing called Project Based Inquiry (CSE 1012).      

• Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2024

• McKnight Distinguished Professor, University of Minnesota 2024

• University of Minnesota Award for Excellence in Academic Unit Service, 2023

• Distinguished Lecturer, Mineralogical Society of America, 2019-20

• Professional Geologist (PG), Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience & Interior Design, 2019

• Fellow of the Geological Society of America, 2018

• Fellow of the Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota, 2018

• McKnight Land-Grant Professorship, University of Minnesota, 2012-14

• Guest Professor, Department of Earth & Environmental Science, Kumamoto University, Japan, 2010-11

• American Geophysical Union (AGU) Editors’ Citation for Excellence in Refereeing, 2008

• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Postdoctoral Fellowship, UK, 2005-07

• Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellowship, 2002-03

• Graduate Student Teaching Award, University of California, Berkeley, 2001

• National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)/U.S. Geological Survey Intern, Mammoth Lakes California, 1997-1998