Alissa Henza

Graduate Student / Teaching Assistant
Room 239 B Wright-Rieman Labs
(732) 445-4155
ahenza@rci.rutgers.edu

Education

• 2006-Present: Ph.D., Geological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J. Thesis: "Effects of pre-existing zones of weakness on normal-fault development" Committee: Martha O. Withjack, Roy W. Schlische, Gregory Mountain, and Iain Sinclair Expected completion date: May 2009
• 2003- January 2006: M.S., Geological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ Thesis: "Stress, Slip, and Lattice-Preferred Orientation of Xenoliths from Cerro Mercedes, Costa Rica"
  Funding: Supported by a $1000 research grant from the Geological Society of America
• 1999-2003: B.S. Cum Laude, Science of Earth Systems with a concentration in Geology Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Teaching

• Intro to Geology Laboratory: Spring 2004
• Mineralogy Laboratory: Fall 2003, 2004, 2007
• Fundamentals of Mineralogy and Petrology: Spring 2005
• Structural Geology Laboratory: Spring 2006-2008

Committee

• M. Withjack
• Roy Schlische

Research Interests

• experimental modeling
• structural geology of extensional provinces
• salt tectonics
• seismic interpretation

Research Experience

• Ph. D. project: Effects of Pre-Existing Zones of Weakness on Normal-Fault Development Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, Spring 2006-Present Objective: To study the effects of pre-existing deformational fabric on the development of normal faults in map view and cross section using physical models, seismic data, and fieldwork.
• Research project: Multiple Episodes of Extension: Effects of Fault Interaction and Development Joint Project with Husky Energy, Fall 2006 Objective: To study how multiple episodes of extension and the presence of salt affect deformation patterns in rift basins using physical models and present results to employees of Husky Energy.
• M. S. Project: Evidence of Deformation in Mantle Xenoliths from Costa Rica Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, Fall 2003-Fall 2005 Objective: To constrain mantle characteristics beneath Central America by examining the alignment of the olivine grains in xenoliths from northern Costa Rica using Electron Backscatter Diffraction and subgrain and recrystallized grain size.

Professional Experience

• Assistant, New Jersey Statewide Systemic Initiative Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, April 2006-July 2006 Assisted with the content, planning, and teaching of the NJSSI ESTEEMS Earth Science Content Institute for middle school teachers in New Jersey.
• Graduate Resident Assistant Rutgers University Department of Graduate Housing, New Brunswick, NJ, July 2006-present Assist students in Graduate Housing with lockouts and other housing concerns and conduct facilities inspections.

Publications

• Henza, A.A., M.O. Withjack, and R.W. Schlische, 2008. "Deformation During Multiple Phases of Extension: Complex Fault Patterns and Reservoir Compartmentalization." American Association of Petroleum Geologist Annual Meeting and Exposition.
• Henza, A.A., M.O. Withjack, and R.W, Schlische, 2007. "Deformation During Multiple Phases of Extension in Experimental Models: Kinematically Simple, Mechanically Complex." Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, Vol. 39, No. 6, p. 128.
• Withjack, M.O., R.W. Schlische, and A.A. Henza, 2007. "Scaled Experimental Models of Extension: Dry Sand vs. Wet Clay". Houston Geological Society Bulletin, v. 49, p. 31-49.
• Monet, J.A., M. Withjack, A. Henza, and K. Bitting, 2006. "Bridging the Gap Between Science and Education Through Collaborative Professional Development Design and Implementation." Geological Society of America Fall 2006 Meeting.
• Levin, V., A. Henza, A. Rodgers, and J. Park, 2006." Texture of mantle lithosphere along the Dead Sea Rift: recently imposed or inherited?" Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors v. 158, p. 174-189.
• Henza, A.A., V. Levin, M.J. Carr, W. Taylor, G.E. Alvarado, and M. Mora, 2005. "The Cerro Mercedes Project: a Multidisciplinary Study of a Back-arc Locality in the Central American Subduction Zone." UNAVCO-IRIS Joint Workshop.

Affiliations

• American Association of Petroleum Geologists
• American Geophysical Union
• Geological Society of America