Published November 29, 2023
By Christine Reed
The School of Energy Resources (SER) is pleased to welcome Tyler Brown to the research team in the Center for Economic Geology Research (CEGR).
A structural geologist and geochemist, Brown brings extensive experience in data analysis and lab management in support of the research efforts led by SER.
Originally from Tuscon, Ariz., Brown earned his undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University in Geology and Geophysics. He then migrated to Wyoming where he earned his Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Wyoming. Throughout his education, he also gained practical industry experience through internships with Marathon Oil Corporation, ConocoPhillips, as well as with the United States Geological Survey.
Brown began working in the Materials Characterization Lab in the UW Department of Geology & Geophysics as a technician beginning in 2016. He was promoted to the lab manager in 2021, and remained in the position until moving to SER. Through his role, he participated in and facilitated research for various departments across UW, other universities, industry partners, and members of the public.
In addition to the management of $5 million dollars’ worth of lab equipment, Brown was tasked with training others to properly use and troubleshoot the equipment including UW students, post-doctoral and research staff, UW faculty members as well as industry professionals. His ability to navigate sophisticated data instruments has made him an incredible asset to the SER team for microanalytical processing, and the microstructural examination of mineral and core samples.
“I am ecstatic to be at SER,” says Brown. “I have known many of the geologists in CEGR for several years and they are always excited about their work. I was eager to join the team and contribute to the exciting projects that are making significant headway in the state.”
In his new role as a research professional, he will be primarily working with the critical mineral and rare earth element team to conduct the resource assessment for the Carbon Ore, Rare Earth and Critical Mineral (CORE-CM) project in the Powder River Basin. He will also be contributing to a mine-scale modeling project as well as supporting the team with upcoming funding opportunities.
Over the past few years, he has expanded his own research to conduct economic geology prospects of rare earth elements by looking at petrological and geochemical datasets to assess their economic feasibility.
“I have a lot of experience in microanalysis side of things, so I am very excited to be doing some local and regional scale geology projects,” adds Brown. “I hope to help the lab-focused team narrow the scope of what they are looking for in the short, mid and long term.”
Having assisted other CEGR researchers with many of the CORE-CM project’s sample analysis in the lab, he is already familiar with the trajectory and characteristics of the project.
“We have known Tyler for a long time through his impeccable management of the Materials Characterization Lab,” says CEGR Director Fred McLaughlin “He is a fantastic geologist with a depth of knowledge and expertise – especially when it comes to Wyoming geology. He brings a high level of understanding of the big picture geological questions that will help to guide some of our research programs.”
