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Research Interests

Application of U-series disequilibria, radiogenic isotope geochemistry, major- and trace- element geochemistry and the principles of physics and chemistry to a variety of fundamental problems in Earth and planetary sciences, including: accretionary and core-formation history and processes in planets; the origin and evolution of the Earth's mantle and continental crust; the generation and transport of basaltic magma; the development and evolution of volcanic systems; magma degassing; volcanic hazard assessment; radiometric methods for dating igneous and sedimentary rocks; geo-archeology; and, isotope hydrology.

Courses

Geol 1100: Physical Geology
Geol 5050-1: Introduction to Isotope Geology
Geol 4200/5200: Genesis, Impact and Predictability of Yellowstone Volcanic Systems
Geol 4200/5200: Basin and Range Volcanism
Geol 4200/5200: Planetary Volcanology
Geol 4200/5200: Ocean Tectonics
Geol 4490: Geochemistry

Current Graduate Students

• Caroline Lo Re’ Brewer, PhD Candidate
• Sean Scott, PhD Student
• Erin Phillips-Writer, PhD Candidate

Teaching Statement

"A teacher affects eternity; he (she) can never tell where his (their) influence stops"
-Henry Adams

Our responsibility as Earth scientists and educators is to foster a sustainable relationship with Earth's natural systems. My educational goal is to prepare students to understand and safely manage the Earth and its resources for the future.  Toward this goal I strive to provide an educational environment where students can learn to think, conduct research, apply their knowledge, and achieve success in a rapidly changing world.

Another important aspect of my educational program has been to convey my results and understanding to the public. To this end I have lectured for senior citizen groups and at numerous elementary, secondary and high schools across the US. In addition, I have worked with several science writers and the professional photographer John Catto (www.alpen-glow.com) to document my research in a manner that is accessible to the general public. My research has been covered in publications including National Geographic (October, 2004), Oceanus (Fall, 2006), New Scientist (July, 2008; December 2008) and in the children's book Lava Scientists: Careers on the Edge of Volcanoes (Sarah Latta, Enslow Publishing, Inc. www.saralatta.com).

Links

Academic CV (pdf)

Publications

Funded Research Grants

Mountaineering Resume

Expeditions

Public Outreach, Education, and Service