James P. Evans

College of Science

Geology

Geology professor Dr. James “Jim” Evans is Utah State University’s 2014 recipient of the D. Wynne Thorne Career Research Award.  Evans’ research focuses on structural geology, the analysis of the three-dimensional distribution of Earth’s outer layers and how they deform in response to stress, specifically the influence of faults and fractures on subsurface fluid flow. Currently, Evans’ work centers on the analyses of fault-related rocks and fault zones, CO2 sequestration and rock fracture in sandstones. Evans said his work isn’t limited to specific characteristics or attributes. The variability within his discipline is an element of intrigue for Evans. His early research centered on the internal structure of faults and helped to explain the process of rock deformation during earthquakes. This work is among his most cited research. Since then, Evans has produced over 60 peer-reviewed articles — with more than 3,900 citations — and has generated nearly $4M in research funding at USU. A fellow of the Geological Society of America, Evans was selected as the associate editor and then executive editor of international peer-reviewed Journal of Structural Geology. He is also the founding co-editor of international peer-reviewed journal Lithosphere. In 2013, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists selected Evans as the AAPG Foundation’s Professional Awardee of the Year for his exceptional leadership within the field of geoscience instruction. In addition to his internationally renowned research, Evans is noted for the tremendous level of commitment he devotes to students and their research, having mentored more than 50 graduate and undergraduate researchers. One of Evans’ projects involved investigating samples from the SAFOD (San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth) deep drilling project, taken from the active trace of the fault 3 kilometers below the surface. Evans worked with doctoral candidates, master’s students and undergraduates on the research, and they were able to publish several articles with him.