Dr. Matthew Hurtgen

Professor

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Biography

Matthew Hurtgen is a Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental, Planetary Sciences at Northwestern University. He holds a Ph.D. in Geosciences from Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on understanding the fundamental components of the Earth system, including how the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and solid Earth interact and regulate the ocean-atmosphere system's chemical composition over geological time scales. Specifically, he investigates the complex processes that influence redox conditions during periods of marine anoxia, alongside biogeochemical feedback mechanisms that regulate the exogenic carbon cycle and the evolution of the marine biosphere. His work involves integrating field observations with geochemical tools and modeling efforts to study both modern and ancient sedimentary systems. Hurtgen teaches a variety of courses, including topics in earth systems science and stable isotope geochemistry.

Research Interests

Courses

College Seminar: Gaia Hypothesis Climate Catastrophes in Earth History Earth Systems Science Stable Isotope Geochemistry Biogeochemical Cycles

Requirements for Northwestern University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
U.S. Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Standard PhD requirements for TGS departments including Chemistry, Physics, and Sociology.