Faculty - Directory

Dr. NAHID GANI is a Professor of Geological Sciences specializing in landscape evolution, tectonics, geomorphology, structural geology, and remote sensing. Her research examines how tectonics, climate, erosion, uplift, and crustal and surface processes interact to shape landscapes through geologic time. She also investigates critical mineral resources, human - environment interactions, and geohazards, including earthquakes, landslides, and river flooding. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates apatite (U-Th)/He and fission-track thermochronology, zircon U-Pb geochronology, tectonic geomorphology, InSAR, optical and radar remote sensing, machine learning, numerical and geospatial modeling, thin-section petrography, SEM-EDS, and field- and AI-based geologic mapping. Dr. Gani’s research spans East Africa, the Himalayas, the Bengal Basin, the Colorado Plateau, Kentucky’s karst and tectonic landscapes - including the Rough Creek Graben, Mammoth Cave, and Pine Mountain Thrust - and Mars. She directs the LeGo (Landscape Geodynamics) Lab, where she mentors undergraduate and graduate students in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, remote sensing, machine learning, and numerical modeling. Her international projects also provide opportunities for scientific collaboration and cross-cultural research. Motivated students interested in an M.S. thesis, undergraduate research, or an honors thesis are encouraged to contact Dr. Gani. For information about current projects, research opportunities, or potential collaborations, visit her website or contact her at nahid.gani@wku.edu.