Horacio Ferriz
Department
Physics, Physical Sciences and Geology
Biography
Dr. Horacio Ferriz leads the Applied Geology concentration of the California State University, Stanislaus Geology program. He has 20 years of academic experience, and was recognized as the 2004-2005 Outstanding Community Service Professor. Dr. Ferriz is a very popular professor, who often teaches to overflowing classrooms while his lecture is also broadcast to four peripheral campuses and over the local cable network. His classes on Development and Management of Water Resources, Hydrogeology, Environmental Geology, and Engineering Geology are the base of the Applied Geology concentration at CSU Stanislaus.
Academic Credentials
Dr. Ferriz received his Engineering degree (1976) from the prestigious School of Engineering of Mexico's National University, and his M.S. (1980) and Ph.D. (1984) degrees from Stanford University. He is a registered Professional Geologist and a Certified Engineering Geologist in California and Mexico, and has more than 20 years of professional geologic, geotechnical, hydrogeologic, and environmental experience. Over this time period he has worked as geologic problem-solver in projects throughout the world involving environmental engineering, solid waste management, water supply, civil works design, geothermal exploration, and mineral exploration.
Area of expertise
Development and Management of Water Resources, Environmental Geology, Mineral Resources Exploration, and Civil Works Design. On the fun side, Dr. Ferriz teaches popular classes on Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Oceanography.
What have you learned from your students?
That they really want to prepare for a profession. Learning for the sake of having fun is good to a point, but eventually they start thinking on how they are going to make a living, and could use some help getting that first job in their chosen profession.
Why do students choose CSU Stanislaus?
It is close to home and is a small school. Little do they know that we have one of the best Geology programs in the state!
How do students succeed in your class?
Religiously attending class, doing their assigned homework, and asking a lot of questions.
What brought you to CSU Stanislaus?
This is a small school close to home. I moved to the area to be close to family and friends.
If you were not teaching, what other career do you see yourself in?
What I do on the side: I am a professional geologist with a busy consulting practice.
Describe a former student who has attained professional success.
Ramon went to be a hotshot professor at Arizona State University. Eric is a successful consultant, and Randy is now in graduate school preparing to discover his own gold deposit in Nevada.
E-mail Address
hferriz@geology.csustan.edu
