Nicholas Hayman, an accomplished researcher whose area of expertise centers around marine geology and geophysics, tectonics, seismicity and the interdependence between engineering and geosciences, recently was named as director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. Hayman comes from the Institute for Geophysics at the University of Texas and succeeds former director Jerry Boak, who retired in 2019.
Hayman hopes his new role will produce increased collaboration between the survey and public and private entities throughout Oklahoma.
“We’re going to chart new directions in geological and energy sciences,” said Hayman. “By developing external support and broader collaboration with researchers around the state, I want to continue the work on both understanding and mitigating induced seismicity in Oklahoma, while also broadening our scope to study the local effectiveness of new technologies in upcoming areas such as carbon capture and alternative energy resources. Most importantly, we will maintain the survey’s core mission of serving Oklahomans by providing an enhanced understanding of their environment.”
Hayman earned his doctorate at the University of Washington in 2003.
“We are so excited to have found someone so qualified to lead the Oklahoma Geological Survey,” said Mike Stice, dean of the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy. “Nick Hayman is a proven leader and is already a well-known researcher. We look forward to his leadership as the survey continues to provide excellence in service to the university, the state and the public at large.”
The Oklahoma Geological Survey, founded in 1908 and chartered in the Oklahoma’s constitution, is charged with investigating the state’s land, water, mineral and energy resources, and disseminating the results of studies to promote the wise and environmentally sound use of Oklahoma’s natural resources.
The survey is housed at the University of Oklahoma’s Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy, but it partners with universities across the state and nation. Geologists within the survey do everything from studying Oklahoma earthquakes to educating K-12 students in various outreach programs.