海角社区

Bio

Degree

PhD in Environmental Geology

University of Wuerzburg

MS in Geology

Brigham Young University

Other in Secondary Licensure

Brigham Young University

BA in Geology

University of Northern Colorado

Published Works

• Coscarella, N., EchoHawk, B., Kackstaetter, R. U. (2023). Preserving the stratigraphy and analyzing the karst leakage potential at the future Glade Reservoir site. AIPG 2023 60th Annual National Conference,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2023). 360 Degree Virtual Field trip of Cincinnati, Ohio, Indiana, and Northern Kentucky's Unique Geological Locations. American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG),
• Schaeffer, M. E., Huskey, M., EchoHawk, B., Kackstaetter, R. U. (2020). Stratigraphic sequence of Paleocene dacite intrusions and the Fountain Arkose within the aggregate quarry southwest of Lyons, CO. Geological Society of America, Rocky Mountain Section Meeting, Provo, Utah,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2019). Manual of Rapid Mineral Identification - Volume I: Mineral ID Tests and Determinations. Self-Published IngramSpark,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. . Geologic Field Methods - A Field Geologist's Manual. ,
• Kackstaetter, R. U., EchoHawk, B. (2017). A new experience-based Applied Geology degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver accelerates students鈥� entry into the Geosciences. The Professional Geologist,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2017). Ask The Experts: Dissecting Diamond Dealing. wallethub.com,
• EchoHawk, B., Kackstaetter, R. U. (2016). Roadside faults, folds, fossils, crystals, and diamond pipes鈥擲ampling the geologic diversity of northern Colorado. (44, pp 247-266). Geological Society of America (GSA) Field Guides.
• Kackstaetter, R. U., EchoHawk, B. (2016). Success as a small fish in a big pond: A holistic approach to undergraduate geologic education as a competitive advantage for securing post-baccalaureate opportunities. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. . Manual of Rapid Mineral Identification Volume II Principles & Practices A hands-on field and laboratory approach. (2, pp currently 74). .
• Kackstaetter, R. U. . Manual of Rapid Mineral Identification Volume III Mineralogical Exercises A hands-on field and laboratory approach. ,
• EchoHawk, B., Hay, M. C., Kackstaetter, R. U., Todd, W. S. (2014). Participating in undergraduate research builds skills that employers value. The Professional Geologist, AIPG (American Institute of Professional Geologists), www.aipg.org
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2014). SEDMIN - Microsoft Excel鈩� spreadsheet for calculating fine-grained sedimentary rock mineralogy from bulk geochemical analysis. Central European Journal of Geosciences,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2014). Physical Geology Lab e-Manual 1st ed. V1.8 - Online . Great River Technologies,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2014). Rapid Inexpensive Portable Specific Gravity Determination of Rocks and Minerals for Use in Field and Laboratory Work. The Professional Geologist, AIPG (American Institute of Professional Geologists), www.aipg.org
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2013). Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences Professional Projects Website. ,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2013). Measuring Specific Gravity of Minerals using the Rapid Field-Densimeter and Nomograph. Great River Technologies,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2013). Rapid Mineral Identification System using Simple Physical Tests & ID Tables. Great River Technologies,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2013). Testing for Mineral Hardness. Great River Technologies,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2013). Using Streak as a Tool for Mineral Identification. Great River Technologies,
• Gallegos, S., Kackstaetter, R. U. (2013). New Suspected Kimberlite: Northern Colorado. AIPG (American Institute of Professional Geologists) 50th annual conference proceedings,
• Kruger, J. F., Kackstaetter, R. U., Cronoble, M. J., EchoHawk, B. (2013). Effects of acid solutions on the Arbuckle Formation of northern Oklahoma. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2012). A Short Tale of Alpine Geology . EAS Department, Metro State University of Denver,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2010). Colorado Front Range Self-guided Geology Field Trips. www.scribd.com, www.scribd.com/doc/27175290/Colorado-Front-Range-Self-Guided-Geology-Field-Trips
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2010). Fluorescent Mineral Determination. www.scribd.com, www.scribd.com/doc/27175900/Fluorescent-Mineral-Determination
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2010). Dr.K's University Website. ,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2009). HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I STUDY? HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND ON AN ASSIGNMENT? 鈥淎 little student study-time estimator鈥�. Earthscience Education LLC; downloadable PDF, earthscienceeducation.net/Studytime.pdf
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2008). Physical Geology Lab e-Manual - 1st ed. V1.0 - CD. Earthscience Education LLC,
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2005). The Exam Primer. Earthscience Education LLC; downloadable PDF, earthscienceeducation.net/Examprimer.pdf
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (2005). Contaminant diffusion and sorption of an artificial leachate in selected geologic barriers of Frankonia, Bavaria, Germany. Opus Online Library System Julius-Maximilians-University. opus.bibliothek.uni-wuerzburg.de/volltexte/2005/1615/
• Udluft, P., Kackstaetter, R. U. (1997). Diffusion und Adsorption anorganischer und organischer Schadstoffe innerhalb ausgew盲hlter geologischer Einheiten . STOFFTRANSPORT IN GEOLOGISCHEN BARRIEREN, Statusbericht, BayForrest Statusseminar,
• Kackstaetter, R. U., Heinrichs, G. (1997). Validity of Low-Cost Laboratory Geochemistry for Environmental Application . Water, Air & Soil Pollution,
• Heinrichs, G., Kackstaetter, R. U. (1995). Geochemische Untersuchung an der Tiefbohrung Staffelstein II. University of Erlangen, 1-2(45), 1-10. .
• Kackstaetter, R. U. (1990). Stratigraphy, Petrology, Geochemistry, and Diagenesis of the Early Jurassic Springdale Sandstone, Shivwits, Washington County, Utah . Brigham Young University Herold B. Lee Library,

Research Interests

Specializing in Applied Geology & Mineralogy
Dr. Kackstaetter鈥檚 current interests are in developing various practical approaches and advanced tools for the geosciences, investigating diatremes and kimberlites, researching hot springs, natural springs and associated mineral waters, developing autonomous 360掳 virtual field experiences and exploring the influence of geology on religion - ancient and modern.

Teaching Interests

Dr. Kackstaetter teaches courses in Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy, Hydrogeology, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Applied Volcanology, Field Methods and a senior capstone course in Undergraduate Research for the geosciences. He likes to teach problem solving and practical skills moving students beyond theoretical knowledge to hands-on applications and work force readiness. He is an advocate for undergraduate research and involves his students in various meaningful projects both in Europe and the United States, with several students having received 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd places during poster presentation at national geoscience conferences. He has led over a dozen national and international field courses, such as 鈥淎pplied Volcanology of Italy and the Western United States鈥�, 鈥淕eology of the Colorado Plateau in Utah & Arizona鈥�, 鈥淕eology of the European Alps鈥�, and 鈥淎pplied Geology and Mining History of Germany鈥�. thus putting into practice the old adage attributed to H.H. Read (Renowned British Geologist, 1889-1970): 鈥淭he best geologist is the one who has seen the most rocks.鈥�

Office Hours

Fall 2025
Office Hours:
Face-to-Face: M, T, W, R 10:00 - 11:00 AM; By Appointment: T R 1:30 - 2:30 PM

Additional Information