• PhD, Ore Deposits and Exploration, Stanford University (1987)


• MS, Ore Deposits and Exploration, Stanford University (1981)


• BS, Geology, University of California Davis (1977)

I am the first holder of the Lowell Chair in economic geology. In addition to filling the traditional roles of a Geosciences faculty member (undergraduate and graduate teaching, advising, research, and service), I am leading the creation of a post-graduate education and training program designed to meet the needs of the minerals industry. I also have an adjunct appointment in the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering.

I am an economic geologist whose principal geologic interests are porphyry deposits (Cu, Mo, Au, Sn), systematics of alteration-mineralization processes including metal zoning, volcanology and igneous petrology, the origin of extensional structures, and the geologic evolution of southwestern North America and its mineral deposits. I also am interested in the sources of effective organizations, catalysts of innovation, and development of leadership.

My current research projects, including work with students and other collaborators, include (1) the Henderson porphyry molybdenum deposit, Colorado, including the mineralogy of its F-rich minerals, origin of the hydrothermal fluids, radiometric dating and thermal modeling of the duration of the hydrothermal system, and measuring the metal content of fluid inclusions; (2) the Robinson porphyry Cu-(Mo-Au) deposit, Nevada, including a district- and regional-scale structural reconstruction and the geology of the porphyry copper system and distal gold deposits; (3) a regional reconstruction of the Laramide arc after restoration of Tertiary extension; (4) reconstruction of the geology of northeastern Nevada and vicinity at 40 Ma as a tool for assessing the origin of Carlin-type gold deposits, and (5) development of a mineralogically-based geochemical classification of alteration types.

Selected publications:

Seedorff, E., and Einaudi, M. T., submitted, Henderson porphyry molybdenum system, Colorado: I. Sequence and abundance of hydrothermal mineral assemblages, flow paths of evolving fluids, and evolutionary style; II. Decoupling of introduction and deposition of metals during geochemical evolution of hydrothermal fluids: Economic Geology.

Gans, P. B., Seedorff, E., Fahey, P. L., Hasler, R. W., Maher, D. J., Jeanne, R. A., and Shaver, S. A., 2001, Rapid Eocene extension in the Robinson district, White Pine County, Nevada: Geology, v. 29, p. 475-478.

Seedorff, E., 1991a, Magmatism, extension, and ore deposits of Eocene to Holocene age in the Great Basin--Mutual effects and preliminary proposed genetic relationships, in Raines, G. L., Lisle, R. E., Schafer, R. W., and Wilkinson, W. H., eds., Geology and ore deposits of the Great Basin: Geological Society of Nevada, Symposium, Reno/Sparks, April 1990, Proceedings, v. 1, p. 133-178.