Eberly News

The Department of Geology and Geography at West Virginia University (WVU) is at the forefront of revolutionizing the energy landscape through its pioneering work in geosciences. Nestled in the Appalachian region, WVU leverages its unique geological setting to explore sustainable energy solutions, focusing on geothermal energy, critical minerals, and hydrogen storage. 

As the destruction continues with southern California’s wildfires that could be the costliest in U.S. history, one West Virginia University researcher said ongoing warm air temperatures and variable precipitation will lead to even more extreme fires in the future. Amy Hessl, a geography professor and paleoclimatologist in the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, has studied the relationship between fire and climate throughout the world, particularly North America, Central Asia and Australia. She attributes the widespread devastation of California’s fires to an unusual weather pattern, known as the Santa Ana or “devil winds,” that are unique to that area.

“We are excited to have Dr. Ryan, whose clear passion for and expertise in the humanities will build on the incredible foundation of the WVU Humanities Center as a cultural and intellectual hub,” Dean of Libraries Karen Diaz said. “Dr. Ryan will capitalize on the great synergies that already exist on and off campus, and work to evolve the roles the center plays in strengthening the University’s R1 status and commitment to the land-grant mission.”

Jessica Deshler, director of the School of Mathematical and Data Sciences, and Erin Goodykoontz, mathematics teaching associate professor, discuss the University’s responsibilities to its students and the state of West Virginia.

As a national and international leader in forensic and investigative science programs, Glen Jackson, Ming Hsieh Distinguished Professor of Forensic and Investigative Science, says the University is racing to shape the future of the field.

“West Virginia has the third highest percentage of older adults in the nation. This vital collaboration with the state Department of Human Services affirms our commitment to the University’s land-grant mission in support of West Virginia families and communities,” said Deana Morrow, principal investigator.

Amy Hessl, a WVU geography professor, is exploring how tree rings reveal past extreme space weather, with support from the National Science Foundation. Using tree ring records that document historic increases in atmospheric radiocarbon from rare "Miyake events" — massive solar energetic particle events that can disrupt satellite communication — Hessl studies how such storms could impact modern technology.

West Virginia Roots and Literary Resilience: Jayne Anne Phillips Reflects on Her Journey and New Novel Night Watch

West Virginia University astrophysicist Jason Ybarra announced that Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, or C/2023 A3, will brighten as it nears the sun, making it visible to the naked eye in mid-October. This comet, originating from the distant Oort Cloud, is on an 80,000-year journey and may never return due to gravitational interactions. As it approaches the sun, the comet's icy, rocky core heats up, releasing gas and dust to form a glowing tail. This rare “once-in-a-lifetime” sight could be observable under favorable conditions.

Mason Moseley, a political science professor at West Virginia University, has been awarded a Fulbright grant to study Argentina’s mining industry and its environmental impact. Starting in March 2025, he’ll work with Argentine scholars and teach at Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Inspired by protests he witnessed in Mendoza in 2019, Moseley will explore why social movements around environmental issues, like water rights, gain traction. His research includes public opinion surveys, and he plans to compare findings with environmental movements in West Virginia.