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Michael H. Engel

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Michael H. Engel

Clyde Becker Chair
Professor

Michael Engel.

ab1635@ou.edu

Sarkeys Energy Center, S102

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About

My primary research interests include the application of stable isotopes to assess the diagenetic history of organic matter in fossils and sediments and to determine the origins of amino acids in carbonaceous meteorites. Current research projects also include global studies of secular changes in the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of crude oils and the stable sulfur isotope composition of organic matter.

Education

  • Ph.D., 1980, The University of Arizona
  • M.S., 1976, The University of Arizona
  • B.A., 1973, SUNY, Binghamton

Research Interests

  • Organic/Stable Isotope Geochemistry

Courses Taught

  • The Dynamic Earth
  • Introduction to Oceanography
  • Stable Isotope Geochemistry
  • Seminar – Organic Geochemistry

Selected Publications

Selected Publications
  • Harper, K., McCormick, M., Hamilton, M., Peiffert, C., Michels, R. and Engel, M.H. (2020) Establishing the provenance of the Nazareth Inscription:  Using stable isotopes to resolve a historic controversy and trace ancient marble production. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 30, 102228, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep2020.102228.
  • Frederickson, J.A., Cohen, J.E., Engel, M.H., Hunt, T.C., Wilbert, G.A., Castaneda, O.S. and Czaplewski, N.J. (2022). The paleoecology of the late Miocene mammals from the Optima local fauna of Oklahoma, USA. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 67, 221-238.
  • Connan, J., Adelsberger, K.A., Engel, M.H. and Zumberge, A. (2022) Bitumens from Tell Yarmuth (Israel) from 2800 BCE to 1100 BCE: A unique case history for the study of degradation effects on the Dead Sea bitumen. Organic Geochemistry 168, 104392.
  • Connan, J., Nilhamn, B. Engel, M.H., Zumberge, A., Akkermans, P.M.M.G. and Abdula, R.A. (2023) Chemical study of bitumens from Tell Sabi Abyad (Syria) from 7000 BCE to 1150 BCE, In: Style and Society in the Prehistory of West Asia (B.S. Düring and P.M.M.G. Akkermans, eds.), Sidestone Press, Leiden, pp. 63-91.
  • Connan, J., Ghidoni, A., Mezzatesta, E., Joliot, C., Mathe, C., Vosmer, T., Gley, R., Bihannic, Pavan, A., Engel, M.H. and Zumberge, A. (2023) Geochemical study of the luting and coating of Medieval watercraft from the ship timbers discovered in the citadel of al-Balīd, Oman: composition and origin. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 49, 104051, 1-26.
  • Westrop, S.R. and Engel, M.H. (2003) A record of the Steptoean positive carbon isotope excursion (SPICE; Cambrian, Paibian) from the Cow Head group, western Newfoundland,  Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 60, 1-11 dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2023-0097.
  • Westrop, S.R., Welch, K.F., Engel, M.H. and Adrain, J.M. (2023) Faunal and Paleoenvironmental changes at a Cambrian (Jiangshanian; Steptoean-Sunwaptan boundary interval) trilobite extinction event, in contrasting deep and shallow subtidal settings, Nevada and Oklahoma. Journal of Paleontology, 1-28, doi: 10.1017/jpa.2023.75.
  • Connan, J., Elezi, G., Engel, M.H. and Zumberge, A. (2024) Natural asphalt on Late Neolithic (5000-4500 BCE) potsherds from southeastern Albania: a geochemical study. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 53, 104343, doi.org/10.1016/j.asrep.2023.104343.
  • Connan, J., Borrell, F., Vardi, J., Wolff, S., Ortiz, S.M., Engel, M.H., Gley, R. and Zumberge, A. (2024) Geochemical analysis of bituminous samples from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B site of Nahal Efe (Northern Negev, Israel): earliest evidence in the region and an example of alteration of the Dead Sea bitumen. Organic Geochemistry 195, 104844 .
  • Connan, J., Bonneric, J., Perrogon, R., Engel, M.H., Gley, R., Zumberge, A. and Schaffer, P. (2025) Geochemical study of bitumen residues on potsherds from the al-Qusur Monastery (7th-9th c. CE): Composition and origin. Molecules,30, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30092006.
  • Alkhafaji, M.W., Ahmed, M.R.M., Taha, T.M., al-Maadhidi, A.S., Connan, J, and Engel, M.H. (2025) Organic geochemistry and paleo depositional environment of the Mushorah Formation in Sufaya and Ain Zala oilfields, northwestern Iraq. Carbonates and Evaporites 40:80, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-025-01112-1.
School of Geosciences
Sarkeys Energy Center
100 East Boyd Street, RM 710
Norman, Oklahoma 73019
Phone: (405) 325-3253
Updated 11/3/2025 by School of Geosciences: geology@ou.edu