O’Keefe named chair of Engineering Sciences

Morehead State University has named Dr. Jen O’Keefe as chair of the Department of Engineering Sciences, elevating a longtime faculty leader whose career has been defined by research excellence, student mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration.

“I am pleased that Dr. Jen O’Keefe has accepted the Engineering Sciences chair position,” said Dr. Ahmad Zargari, dean of the College of Science and Engineering. “The Engineering Sciences department offers a diverse range of programs, including computer science, geosciences, engineering technology, physics, systems engineering, space systems engineering, and O’Keefe is the right person to continue to move these programs toward further excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration and support student success.”

O’Keefe, who joined MSU in 2002 as an instructor and was promoted to professor in 2017, has spent more than two decades building a reputation as both a prolific researcher and a dedicated educator. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell College in Iowa, a master’s degree from Texas A&M University and a doctorate from the University of Kentucky.

Known to students simply as “Dr. Jen,” O’Keefe has long emphasized hands-on learning as central to academic success. Her teaching philosophy centers on engaging students in sustained, collaborative research and bringing the excitement of discovery directly into the classroom.

That approach is reflected in her leadership of MSU’s OPaL Lab, where she has spent more than 20 years mentoring Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics and undergraduate students. The lab focuses on questions related to past ecosystems and climates, as well as current environmental and geotechnical challenges, often in collaboration with postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.

O’Keefe’s scholarly impact is extensive. She has authored more than 90 journal articles and book chapters, many with undergraduate coauthors, and has published two books. Her work spans coal geology, palynology, paleomycology and environmental systems, contributing to both academic research and industry applications.

“I am looking forward to working with our faculty to foster collaborations and support research across Engineering Sciences,” O’Keefe said.

Her leadership experience extends beyond campus. O’Keefe has led major interdisciplinary, grant-funded research teams and held prominent roles in national scientific organizations, including serving as chair of the Energy Geology Division of the Geological Society of America and president of AASP–The Palynological Society. She currently serves on the AASP Foundation Board of Trustees, the Kentucky Statewide EPSCoR Committee and the Kentucky Geological Survey Mapping Advisory Committee.

Her contributions have earned widespread recognition. In 2023, she received AASP’s Distinguished Service Medal, was named a Fellow of the Geological Society of America and was honored as MSU’s Distinguished Researcher. She has also received the Gordon H. Wood Jr. Memorial Award from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the John Castaño Honorary Membership Award from the Society for Organic Petrology.

While her professional accolades are numerous, O’Keefe places particular value on her work with students. In 2023, she received an Apple Award from the MSU Student Senate for mentoring students beyond the classroom.

“Working with students across multiple disciplines has been my delight for many years,” O’Keefe said. "I am looking forward to working with our faculty to continue supporting and growing student successes.”

O’Keefe has already been helping shape the department's future. As interim chair over the past year, she guided the newly formed Department of Engineering Sciences through a period of transition, focusing on strengthening academic programs, supporting accreditation efforts and improving student success and retention.

To learn more about its programs, contact the Department of Engineering Sciences by emailing O'Keefe at j.okeefe@moreheadstate.edu or calling 606-783-2381.