Mitchell Named Chair of UB Department of Geology

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Charles E. Mitchell, professor in the Department of Geology in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University at Buffalo, has been named chair of the department.

A UB faculty member since 1983, Mitchell is co-director of the Graduate Group in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology at the university.

His research focuses on the paleobiology, systematics and evolutionary history of graptolites, an extinct group of colonial organisms; the correlation of Middle and Upper Ordovician rocks based on their graptolite and conodont faunas, and collaborative projects employing stratigraphy, biostratigraphy, geochemistry, structural geology and tectonics aimed at deciphering the history of sedimentary basins and their causes.

Co-director of the Western New York Science and Technology Forum that shares new developments in science, technology and mathematics with high-school teachers, Mitchell is a recipient of a SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, a Milton Plesur Award for Excellence in Teaching from the UB undergraduate Student Association and a Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching from the former UB Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

He has authored or co-authored numerous scholarly publications, and delivered presentations at professional meetings.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University, master's degrees from the University of Western Ontario and Harvard University, and a doctorate from Harvard.

Mitchell resides in Kenmore.