Joshua Poole, PG, College of Sciences and Mathematics Faculty and Staff

Short Bio

Josh Poole has been a member of the AU GAB since 2018 and is a Professional Geologist and the Senior Geologist – Exploration/Field Research Geologist with Wellborn Mining, LLC., where he works on the Hog Mountain gold deposit in Alabama. He earned his B.S. in Geology from the University of West Georgia in 2012 and his M.S. from Auburn University in 2015. His research background spans structural geology and geomorphology, from mapping the mylonitic Bartletts Ferry fault zone in the Pine Mountain Window to studying barrier island migration along the Georgia coast. His master’s research under Dr. Mark Steltenpohl focused on the kinematics and timing of deformation along the Brevard Fault Zone in the Eastern Blue Ridge of Alabama, including the development of a novel pedagogical approach using stereonets to interpret shear direction. Following graduate school, Josh served as a Lecturer of Geology at Columbus State University (2015–2016), where he taught courses across all levels and coordinated the Physical Geology Lab. In 2016, he pivoted to the industry with Wellborn Mining. Josh is also pursuing a Ph.D. at Auburn University under Dr. Laura Bilenker. His research is related to his work at Wellborn and focuses on the structural and geochemical controls of gold mineralization in the quartz vein-hosted, orogenic Hog Mountain deposit, with the goal of refining models of fluid flow, deformation, and gold precipitation. Beyond his professional work, Josh is deeply involved in science outreach and community engagement. He has served as Director of Educational Programming for AO Discover! and is an active leader in the Auburn-Opelika chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby and Education. Outside of geology, Josh is a certified personal trainer (NASM), avid outdoor adventurer, and dedicated crafts/handyman. He also assists with his wife’s Celtic Traditions School of Irish Dance. When time allows, he enjoys traveling and exploring new landscapes around the world. War Damn Geosciences!