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College of Science and Mathematics

Keith Putirka

Professor

Earth and Environmental Sciences | 559-278-4524 | Office: S2 130 | Spring 2025 Office Hours - TuTh: 10:00am-12:00pm (Online and In-Person); W: 10:45am-12:00pm (Online and In-Person)

kputirka@csufresno.edu

Education

B.S., Geology, California State University, Northridge
M.S., Geology, California State University, Los Angeles
Ph.D., Geological Sciences, Columbia University

Courses Taught

  • EES 1
  • EES 12
  • EES 13
  • EES 100
  • EES 101
  • EES 124
  • EES 150T
  • EES 202
  • EES 250T
  • EES 251T
  • EES 271
  • NSCI 115
For a consistently updated listing of publications and CV, please see Dr. Putirka's website:

https://sites.google.com/mail.fresnostate.edu/keithputirka

For majors in Earth & Environmental Sciences, I teach Mineralogy (EES 12), Analytical Methods in the Earth Sciences (EES 100), and Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (EES 101). At the graduate level, I teach Volcanology (EES 271) and various versions of Magmatism and Tectonics of the Western U.S. (EES 250T). In 250T, we usually investigate problems of magmatism and/or tectonics that can at least be partially tested by the examination of field data. Each such trip then, involves a 5-day to 1-week field trip, usually to the western Basin and Range, the Grand Canyon region, or the lower Colorado River (between AZ and CA). Research is a key component to an Earth Science education and so students in my classes conduct research projects, which involve field and laboratory experiences. Our X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) instruments are utilized as lab components in these courses. For non-majors, I teach Environmental Earth and Life Science (NSCI 115). A goal in this course is to illustrate how a scientific understanding of our planet is crucial to many aspects of our daily lives.
  • California Wildfires and Forest Management
  • Mantle Melting
  • Volcanology
  • Exoplanets
For a consistently updated listing of publications and CV, please see Dr. Putirka's website:

https://sites.google.com/mail.fresnostate.edu/keithputirka
For a consistently updated listing of publications and CV, please see Dr. Putirka's website:

https://sites.google.com/mail.fresnostate.edu/keithputirka