Dr. Schmitz’s research and teaching interests encompass an understanding of the processes associated with the tectonic, geochemical, and thermal evolution of the continental lithosphere. He works to integrate igneous and metamorphic petrology, major and trace element geochemistry, radiogenic isotope and geochronological tools, and thermal and chemical diffusive modeling to probe samples of the continental crust and underlying lithospheric mantle. His research is also incorporated into his teaching, which encompasses undergraduate and graduate-level courses in geochemistry, isotope geology, and geochronology, and their petrologic and tectonic applications.