Former PitE Director Robert M. Owen named Professor Emeritus


By Mary Sue Coleman
Jun 13, 2012

We would like to highlight Robert M. Owen, Ph.D., Arther F. Thurnau Professor and professor of marine geochemistry, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and School of Natural Resources and Environment, a distinguished contributor to the academic community, who has retired from active faculty status since May 31, 2012.

Professor Owen received his B.S. degree from Drexel University in 1969, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin in 1974 and 1975, respectively. He joined the University of Michigan faculty as an assistant professor in 1975, and was promoted to associate professor in 1979, and professor in 1986.

Professor Owen’s research interests span the fields of marine geochemistry, paleoceanography, seafloor hydrothermal systems, marine mineral exploration, and environmental geochemistry. He participated in more than 20 oceanographic research cruises and several submersible operations in the Great Lakes. Using geochemical analysis of deep-sea sediment cores and seafloor hydrothermal activity, he is able to determine the evolution of ocean chemistry and climate history. Professor Owen was director of the Program in the Environment from 2005-2010 and was associate dean for undergraduate education in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) from 1998-2004. He was associate chair of the Department of Geological Sciences from 1992-1998 and director of the Camp Davis Rocky Mountain Field Station from 1990-1999. He has served as president of the International Marine Minerals Society (1989-1991), is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership (2009-2012), and is a fellow of the Geological Society of America. His record of excellence in undergraduate education has been recognized with the Amoco Foundation’s Outstanding Teaching Award (1986), four Excellence in Education Awards from the College of LSA (1992, 1994, 1995, and 1996), and appointment as an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor in 2004.

The Regents now salute this distinguished scholar by naming him Robert M. Owen Arthur F. Thurnau Professor Emeritus, professor emeritus of marine geochemistry, and professor emeritus of the environment.

Congratulations, Professor Owen.