Frederick II awards honorary degree in geology to Robert J. Bodnar

The Faculty of Mathematical Physical and Natural Sciences at the University of Naples Federico II is conferring an honorary degree in Geology and Applied Geology on Robert J. Bodnar.

Bodnar is Distinguished Professor and C. Garvin Professor of Geo-Science disciplines at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, Virginia. 'Distinguished Professor' is a degree of excellence awarded to Virginia Tech Professors who have achieved nationally and internationally significant scientific achievements while the title of 'C. Garvin Professor' is awarded to a single Virginia Tech Professor in recognition of the excellence of the contribution made both scientifically and educationally.

The honorary degree awarding ceremony will be held on Thursday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. in the San Marcellino Complex.

Speakers at the ceremony will include Massimo Marrelli, Rector of the University Federico II; Roberto Pettorino, dean of the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences; and Benedetto De Vivo, professor of Environmental Geochemistry in the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences.

Professor Bodnar has received numerous honors and awards nationally, in America, and internationally for his research achievements and is among the most cited researchers in the world in the field of Earth Sciences for his publications.

Robert J. Bodnar's research involves the properties and role of fluids in natural and synthetic materials, and covers a broad spectrum of disciplines such as, geology, geochemistry, physical chemistry, planetary science, materials science, and environmental science.

In particular, Bodnar, together with colleague Michael Sterner, in 1984, discovered and developed, the"technique for the study of synthetic fluid inclusions" to study the chemical and physical properties of fluids at high pressures and temperatures.

He also worked on the role of fluids in the evolution of the solar system and on the planet Mars, discovering, in 1998, the first evidence of the presence of extraterrestrial fluids in the Monahans meteorite.

For years Bodnar, through Professor De Vivo's research group, has had fruitful scientific and educational collaborative relationships with the Federico II University on issues related to the study of the role of fluids in the volcanism of the Neapolitan area (Pontine Islands, Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei), and together with the group he has described, among other things, a model, absolutely innovative, for the explanation of Phlegraean bradyseism.