Dr. Joseph Kirschvink

Biography

Joseph Kirschvink is the Nico Marilyn Van Wingen Professor of Geobiology at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He obtained his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Caltech in 1975, followed by an M.A. from Princeton University in 1978 and a Ph.D. in 1979. He has held various academic positions at Caltech, including Assistant Professor from 1981 to 1987, Associate Professor from 1987 to 1992, and full Professor from 1992 until 2004 when he became the Van Wingen Professor. His research focuses on Geobiology, Geophysics, Paleomagnetism, Paleoclimatology, Biophysics, Animal Neurobiology, and Astrobiology. Kirschvink is noted for his contributions in proposing the idea that biogenic magnetite produced by magnetotactic bacteria could explain the magnetization of sedimentary rocks and provide evidence for early life on Mars. Additionally, he has explored the magnetic field sensitivity in animals due to biogenic magnetite, laying the groundwork for understanding how these effects inform animal behavior. His teaching includes courses such as 'Introduction to Geobiology' and 'Paleomagnetism and Magnetostratigraphy.'

Research Interests

Courses