SMU Appoints Dr. Matthew Hornbach as the Clifford Matthews Endowed Chair in Earth Sciences

DALLAS (SMU) – Southern Methodist University has appointed Dr. Matthew Hornbach as the third Clifford W. Matthews Chair in Earth Sciences in the Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Sciences, advancing the University’s strategic investments in subsurface energy systems, geothermal research, and earth hazards.

Dr. Hornbach joins SMU with nearly two decades of leadership in marine geology and geophysics research, teaching, and applied scientific innovation. His expertise spans subsurface energy systems, earthquake and tsunami hazards, marine geophysics, and environmental change. These areas align closely with the University’s strategic priorities in energy through the recently announced O’Donnell Energy Initiative and in the study of earth hazards with national security implications.

Most recently, Dr. Hornbach served as Head of Marine Geology and Geophysics at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), where he led programs focused on subsea geophysics and ocean systems relevant to Department of Defense missions. He was previously a faculty member at SMU from 2011-2025, holding a joint appointment with the NRL beginning in 2022.

A globally recognized authority on methane hydrate stability, geothermal energy, fluid migration, and rock physics, Dr. Hornbach’s research spans seismology, energy development, marine hazards, and human-induced earthquakes. His work combines seismic imaging, heat-flow analysis, geomechanical modeling, and fluid-flow analysis to better understand the evolution and stability of marine and continental systems. Throughout his career, he has conducted research in the Arctic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic continental margins, contributing to advances in understanding methane release, submarine landslides, tectonic deformation, and offshore geohazards. His work has important implications for energy security, hazard mitigation, environmental resilience, and national defense.

“Dr. Hornbach brings innovative research, exceptional teaching, and unique opportunities for collaboration to SMU,” said Heather DeShon, chair of the Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Sciences. “We are thrilled to welcome him back to the department and look forward to the leadership he will bring to our renowned Geothermal Laboratory and to innovative research in earth hazards and subsurface energy systems.”

At SMU, Dr. Hornbach will contribute to research and teaching across marine geophysics, seismology, and energy systems, while helping to advance interdisciplinary initiatives linking Dedman College, the Lyle School of Engineering, and the Cox School of Business.

The Clifford W. Matthews Chair in Earth Sciences honors distinguished leadership and innovation in Earth science research and education and supports faculty whose work advances scientific discovery and societal impact. Established in 1978, the chair was endowed through a gift from the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation to honor Clifford W. Matthews, a distinguished geologist whose longstanding association with the Foundation exemplified leadership and innovation in the Earth sciences.

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