Margaret Hiza Redsteer

Geologist, Research Scientist
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Reston, VA

Ethnicity: American Indian/Alaska Native

MS PHD'S Cohort(s):


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I established an outline of the tectonic history of the North American Cordillera from 40-50 Ma, based on data from my thesis work, compiled with other recent regional data; (the tectonic setting for this episode of volcanism has long been a puzzle). I have conducted surficial and bedrock geologic mapping to outline geologic and environmental hazards related to landslides, and to provide information for land-use planning near Vail Colorado, in the Vail East quadrangle, and minor work in the Vail West quadrangle, where I mapped previously unrecognized post-Pinedale landslide deposits that swept across the western end of the Vail Valley.

Research Summary: I am a research scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey, and have a Ph.D. in geology. My present position is project chief of the "Landscape change on Native lands, southern Colorado Plateau". I’m currently working on the Navajo Nation, and am involved in studies of drought impacts, wind erosion, and water quality. I’m of Crow descent, originally from an area on Wyoming-Montana border, where I grew up riding horses. I lived in the Joint Use Area of the Navajo Nation for ten years, in what is now Hopi Partitioned Lands, and am mother to three children who are registered voters in the Tolani Lake Chapter of the Navajo Nation.

Current Research: I’m working to provide communities on the Navajo Nation with information on geologic hazards, water availability, soils, plant habitats, and environmentally sensitive areas. Limited, shallow water resources in the region are sensitive to fluctuations in climate and over utilization. Water quality can be affected by the local geology or local system contamination. Easily eroded deposits in the region are highly sensitive to fluctuations in precipitation intensity, percent vegetation cover, and local land use practices. I hope to complete the geologic mapping required to establish local conditions of landscape mobility and stability, and their relation to local environmental conditions.

Future Research: I plan to continue working on the Navajo Nation, particularly on the impacts of drought, and redefining the factors that contribute to drought, and the landscape response to drought conditions. In addition, I hope to act as consultant to other tribes, such as my own Crow people. I’ve learned that if Indian people are engaged in earth science work, it can empower communities to think and act for themselves, to address the land use and natural resource issues that challenge all of us.

Academic Preparation: I have a B.S. in geology from Northern Arizona University, with an extended hydrology emphasis, an M.S. in Earth Sciences from Montana State University in sedimentlogy of volcanic systems, and a Ph.D. 1999 on the geochemistry and geochonology of the Absaroka Volcanic Province.

Hobbies: I am an avid long distance runner. It keeps me focused, and helps during stressful times. I also enjoy doing beadwork, painting and drawing.


Last Updated: 8/10/2012 4:34:55 PM
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