Joshua Feinberg

Background & Expertise

As a professor of earth & environmental sciences at the University of Minnesota, Joshua Feinberg investigates the natural and anthropogenic processes shaping our planet. They serve as the director of the Institute for Rock Magnetism (IRM), an NSF National Multi-User Facility. In this role, they oversee world-class instrumentation for studying the magnetic properties of natural and synthetic materials while training scientists globally to integrate magnetic methods into their research. 

Feinberg’s personal research integrates geophysics, field observations, and microscopy to explore Earth’s systems across global, tectonic and nanometer scales. Their diverse portfolio includes uncovering behaviors of the Earth’s magnetic field, tracking paleoflood histories and monitoring groundwater quality. 

Beyond the lab, Feinberg is a proven leader in higher education. As the director of undergraduate research for the University of Minnesota, they support research across five campuses, building on their previous role as director of undergraduate studies for earth & environmental sciences. Dedicated to high-impact partnerships, Feinberg frequently collaborates with industry, regulatory agencies, and non-profits to bridge academic discovery with practical, community-focused applications.