Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Bill Leeman received his Ph. D. in geology from University of Oregon in 1974. Following post-graduate research fellowships with the U.S. Geological Survey (1977), and Oregon State University (1978-79), he joined the faculty of the Department of Earth Science, Rice University (1979-2005), where he focused on volcanology, igneous petrology, geochemistry, geologic hazards, and environmental studies.  Bill's primary research areas include volcanology and tectonics of the western U.S., with major projects in the Cascades Volcanic Arc, the Snake River Plain-Yellowstone volcanic belt, and the Basin and Range Province.  He has also studied volcanoes in Alaska, Chile, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, Italy, New Zealand and more.  After retiring from Rice University as Professor Emeritus, Bill joined the National Science Foundation where he managed a research program in Petrology and Geochemistry. In 2012, Bill retired from government service to move to Santa Fe, where he continues work on research and writing projects.