Welcome to the author’s page, where we delve into the fascinating journey of a dedicated geologist and prolific contributor to the field. In December 1979, our author earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Morehead State University in Kentucky. His academic pursuits continued as he completed a Master of Science thesis in geology at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky. The focus of his thesis was on the recognition, classification, and paleoenvironmental geology of prevalent plant fossils in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. Notably, the author underwent two semesters of paleontology during his college years.

In June 1980, the author embarked on a remarkable career with the US Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Over the span of twenty-eight years, he served as a geologist and coal-mine inspector, specializing in the collection of plant fossils from coal mines. Following retirement, the author dedicated two years to exploring outcrops (road cuttings) in southern Virginia and sections of West Virginia, further expanding his geological expertise.

For approximately twenty-six years, the author generously shared his wealth of experience as an instructor of introduction to geology classes at institutions in Cumberland, Kentucky, and Wise, Virginia. His passion for geology, ignited during his high school years as a rock hound, evolved into a lifelong commitment.

During high school and college, the author experimented with lapidary work, crafting jewelry from minerals and rocks. This early passion laid the foundation for his present roles as a coal miner instructor and a coal mining consultant, where he continues to bring extensive expertise and enthusiasm to the captivating realm of geology.

The author’s impact on the field is evident in several notable works, including “A Guide To Pennsylvanian (Carboniferous) Age Plant Fossils of Southwest Virginia” (2019) and the comprehensive “Atlas of Pennsylvanian (Carboniferous) Age Plant Fossils of the Central Appalachian Coal Fields, Volume I” (2021). His 1986 publication, “Explanation of the Regional Tectonic Map of the Southwestern coal field of Virginia,” reflects a pragmatic approach to mine safety and health.

The journey began with the author’s M.S. Thesis in 1977, titled “The Geological Significance of LANDSAT Imagery Lineament Analysis in Selected Areas of Eastern Kentucky,” completed at Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY. Since then, he has quietly contributed to our understanding of geological phenomena, leaving a lasting imprint on the field of geology.