-Tectonic history of the eastern Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge of western North Carolina. "Tectonics" is a term that encompasses a broad range of topics and analytical methods, but for our purposes generally includes the deformation, metamorphic, and uplift history of the deep crust. This classic, incredibly scenic mountain range remains a puzzle even after 50 years of study. New discoveries continue to be made, and students may still make valuable contributions to deciphering the tectonic history. Matt Massey (B.S. 1999, Univ. Tennessee, the skinny guy on the right in the picture below, taken in the Outback of Queensland, Australia), a recent M.S. student, completed a structural and petrologic analysis of rocks defining the Hayesville Fault in the eastern Great Smoky Mtns. Matt's work established the fundamental characteristics of the fault (a folded lithologic contact) that will be used as a basis for comparison elsewhere in the Blue Ridge province. Matt has just entered the Ph.D. program at UK, and will continue to do tectonic studies, but this time in New England. In his spare time (which he seems to have a lot of), he climbs rocks. He is a very accomplished climber, and pictures of him have appeared in national climbing magazines. He has decided to stay on at UK to pursue a Ph.D., and will be working on aspects of the late Paleozoic tectonic evolution of southern New England.
just thought i'd remind you of your roots. happy birthday matt
and great loves will one day have to part -smashing pumpkins
damn that's old. 
