Dr. Neil Foley teaches classes in Physics and Environmental Geophysics at Montana Western. He emphasizes cross-disciplinary connections (for example, the similarities between geophysical techniques and biomedical imaging) to engage students from Western’s many departments. A geologist by background and disposition, he loves to apply physics in the field, especially using Western’s new Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) system. Our ERT is a research-grade system that is the same as used by land management agencies, civil engineers, and professional scientists. Students in Neil’s classes learn theory, practice, and effective communication of geophysical techniques.
He earned a BA in Geology from Carleton College, in Minnesota. His Ph.D. work, at University of California, Santa Cruz, focused on using geophysical techniques to image beneath permafrost and glaciers in the cryosphere. The bulk of this work was done over three seasons in Antarctica, but he also has done field campaigns to Artic Alaska, Iceland, and a research cruise in the Pacific Ocean.
For fun, Neil enjoys taking advantage of the natural beauty of Southwest Montana, especially by hiking and biking. Indoors, he loves to cook and play board games.
