Robert Bodnar, PhD

Robert Bodnar is the inaugural executive director of the University of Arizona's research initiative in mining, critical minerals and subsurface science and innovation. This effort brings together university-wide expertise to help shape how the United States secures the materials that underpin modern technologies, energy systems and national defense.

The global competition for critical minerals has become one of the defining scientific, economic and geopolitical challenges of the 21st century. Under Bodnar’s leadership, the U of A is drawing on strengths in geosciences, mining engineering, mining law, energy and resource economics, environmental science, and Native American policy and engagement. The university is positioned to lead in advancing the knowledge, technologies and partnerships that will define this space.

A world-renowned geochemist, Bodnar also holds a faculty appointment in the Department of Geosciences. Most recently, Bodnar served as the C.C. Garvin Professor of Geochemistry and a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech. His career has included appointments in academia, industry and government, including positions with Chevron Oil Field Research Co. and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Bodnar’s honors include election to the National Academy of Sciences, designation as Virginia's Outstanding Scientist, the American Geophysical Union's N.L. Bowen Award, the Society of Economic Geologists Silver Medal, and the Thomas Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Natural Science.

A proud U of A alumnus, he earned an Arizona master’s degree in geology after completing a bachelor’s in chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh. He then earned a PhD in geochemistry and mineralogy from Pennsylvania State University.

Bodnar has authored more than 330 peer-reviewed publications and is widely recognized as one of the most highly cited earth scientists in the world. He serves as president of the Mineralogical Society of America and is an elected fellow of the American Geophysical Union, Mineralogical Society of America, Geochemical Society, Geological Society of America, Society of Economic Geologists and American Association for the Advancement of Science.