Charles Merguerian
Principal, Geologist, Ph.D., M.Sci., M.Phil., P.G.
Email: Charlesm@dukelabs.com
Phone: (845) 687-6386 or (516) 279-7629 [cell]
-
Dr. Merguerian is internationally recognized as the leading authority on the geologic structure and tectonics of New York City. He is the Principal of Duke Geological Laboratory in Stone Ridge NY, Professor Emeritus and former Chairman of Geology at Hofstra University, Curatorial Associate at Yale University and has a broad range of expert consulting experience with the United States Geological Survey, the California- and Connecticut State Geological Surveys, New York City DEP, Con Edison, many prominent private megaconstruction joint ventures as well as local geotechnical and engineering firms.
Since 1972, Merguerian has gathered over a half century of professional experience in geologic mapping and structural analysis of complexly deformed metamorphic terrains, plutonic- and volcanic districts and areas underlain by sedimentary- and glacial strata throughout the United States. His chief geological expertise encompasses basic geologic mapping, petrography, ductile- and brittle-fault analysis, tectonics, and earthquake-hazard assessment of crystalline terrains with forays into the fields of astro-, sedimentary- and glacial geology. He has performed pure- and applied research and has published annually since 1977 over 240 maps, papers, guidebooks, technical reports and abstracts from such widely separated states as NY, NJ, CT, MA, CA, and NV.
During the past five decades his research efforts have focused on field- and tunnel mapping, laboratory research and geotechnical analysis related to the subsurface structure of New York City and vicinity. Merguerian has concentrated on the relationship between construction of subsurface tunnels, shafts, and foundations and the geological controls that dictate means and methods and performance expectations of tunnel boring machines and by mechanized means including hoe rams, roadheaders, and excavators. His expertise ranges from artisanal removal techniques such as EHF plasma tool technology to traditional drill and blast methods. This work has paved the way for more efficient tunneling and excavation of rock in the New York City area and has facilitated municipal megaconstruction projects including water, utility and transportation tunnels and micro-tunnels as well as providing in-depth knowledge of the risk variables of ground conditions for the purposes of planning and bidding contracts for civil engineering projects.
Largely due to his dedication and prominence in the geological sciences, Dr. Merguerian has been featured in many national and international public science broadcasts distributed by the BBC, National Geographic, The History Channel and The Discovery Channel and by television, radio and print outlets and public lectures. Plus, he is one hell of a nice guy.
J. Mickey Merguerian
-
Mickey Merguerian bridges geology and heavy civil construction, applying hard science to real-world deep foundation and excavation challenges. With over two decades in the field, he has led geological investigations, cost modeling, and pre-bid risk assessments for some of the most complex infrastructure projects in NYC, including the Second Avenue Subway, East Side Access, and Con Edison's underground networks.
Currently a Heavy Civil Estimator at Skanska, Mickey specializes in geotechnically intensive scopes like caissons, shafts, and SOE systems. As Principal of Dukelabs DSC Inc., he supports contractors and owners with differing site condition claims, lithologic modeling, and foundation design support grounded in field-based geologic work.
His publications, such as "Tectonostratigraphy of Paleozoic New York City Schistose Rocks" (Stonybrook University Conference on Geology of Long Island and Metropolitan New York, 2025), "Geological Solutions: Pre-Bid Risk Assessment and As-built Claims in the NY Metropolitan Region" (ASCE Metro Section, 2022) and "Stratigraphy, Structure, and Tectonics of New York City" (NYSGA, 2016), reflect his commitment to integrating applied geology into construction workflows.
Mickey's work is practical, tested, and field-driven. Science with steel-toed boots.