Thomas E.
Nordstrand, PhD
West Texas roots. Army officer. Intel engineer. Entrepreneur. Now researching geology, hydrology, and hail science across the Southern Plains.
Hailstone analysis laboratory, UTSA — ongoing research into storm-collected specimens.
4
Degrees Earned
3
Research Areas
5+
States Studied
10+
Years in Field
Background
A career built across disciplines
Army Officer
Commissioned officer in the United States Army. Military service built a foundation of leadership, disciplined analysis, and mission-oriented thinking.
Intel · Oil & Gas · Construction
Professional experience at Intel Corporation and as founder of businesses in roofing, construction, and the oil and gas sector across Texas.
Finance · MBA · Geology
Degrees from UTEP, UNM, and UTSA spanning business, engineering, and earth sciences — an unusually broad academic path.
Current Work
Active Research
Hailstone Collection & Analysis
Direct field collection and laboratory analysis of hailstones from Texas storm events — size, mass, isotopic composition, and embedded particulates.
Water Wells & River Systems
Groundwater and surface water relationships in West Texas — well logging, water table monitoring, and aquifer recharge rate analysis.
Microplastics in Hail
Entrainment of microplastic particles within hailstones from Texas storm events — nucleation sites, particle distribution, and atmospheric transport pathways.
Get in touch
Research inquiries, professional correspondence, or general questions — reach out directly.