Nicholas B. Sullivan, Ph.D.

Sedimentary Geologist & Postdoctoral Scholar

Home Publications Presentations Teaching Outreach
Nicholas Sullivan Headshot
Email Me Download CV Google Scholar ResearchGate

Education

University of Wisconsin - Madison
Ph.D. in Geoscience (2022)

University of Cincinnati
M.S. in Geology (2013)

SUNY Geneseo
B.A. in Geological Sciences (2010)

Analytical Toolkit

  • Sedimentary Geology
  • Cyclostratigraphy
  • Paleoclimate
  • Paleocoeanography
  • Elemental Geochemistry
  • Biochronology (CONOP)
  • R Programming Language
  • Statistics in Earth Science

Educational Experience

Teaching Philosophy

In my approach to geological instruction, I try to forge a sense of connection with the Earth, particularly a feeling of continuity in the context of the planet's history. To this end, I build lab exercises and classroom experiences that have a strong hands-on component, and I try to cultivate skills that allow my students to be able to see data or a sample and tell a story about it. In a world that's becoming rapidly more digital and automated, I've also tried to build innovative and interactive online exercises that give students the opportunity for trial and error, with real-time feedback.

On the outcrop with students from Buffalo State
On the outcrop with students from Buffalo State.
A hand sample with ripple marks in the classroom
A hand sample with ripple marks in the classroom.
Undergraduate research projects at the Buffalo State academic showcase
Undergraduate research projects at the Buffalo State academic showcase.

Experience as Principal Instructor

Buffalo State University

  • Invertebrate Paleontology (Spring 2024) – An introduction to fossil identification and description.

Westminster College

  • Introduction to Geology (Spring 2014) – An overview of the Earth Sciences for introductory level undergraduates.
  • Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (Spring 2014) – A course on sedimentary geology for mid-level undergraduates.

University of Cincinnati

  • Cincinnatian Paleontology and Stratigraphy (Spring 2012) – A field stratigraphy course for introductory level undergraduates.

Experience as a Teaching Assistant

University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Introduction to Oceanography (Spring 2019; Spring 2020) – An overview of the Earth Sciences for introductory level undergraduates.
  • Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (Fall 2018; Fall 2019) – A course on sedimentary geology for mid-level undergraduates.

University of Cincinnati

  • Environmental Science (Fall 2012) – A field stratigraphy course for introductory level undergraduates.
  • Introduction to Geology (Spring 2012) – A general introduction to the Earth Sciences.
  • Evolution and Earth History (Winter 2011) – A course on evolution, paleobiology, and major trends in Earth history.
  • Introduction to Oceanography (Fall 2010) – An overview of physical oceanography.

State University of New York at Geneseo

  • Geology for non-majors (Fall 2009; Spring 2010) – An introductory Earth science course for non-majors.
  • Environmental Science (Spring 2009) – A course introducing concepts of environmental science.
  • Evolution and Earth History (Fall 2008) – An introductory level course on evolution, extinction, and Earth history.
Page last updated 15 September 2026
Unless otherwise noted, all content © N. B. Sullivan