ABOUT ME
Growing up in Brown County, IN, I developed a strong curiosity and fond affection for the natural world. Because of this curiosity and my attention to detail, I became a 'fairly' talented landscape painter (Brown County, IN has a well-documented history of producing talented artists). However, in an almost fortuitous way, I found myself drawn back to my roots and my curiosity for the Earth. With a little 'help' from the university, I switched my major to Geology and never looked back! Ever since that moment, I have enjoyed the experience. The Earth is a dynamic place and it never ceases to capture my attention and curiosity. As a Teaching Assistant Professor of Geology at WVU, I hope to impart that same sense of enthusiasm and curiosity in my students.
EDUCATION
Miami University, Oxford, OH
PhD. Geology (2015)
Dissertation Title: Geochronologic, Geochemical, and Isotopic Investigations into Cretaceous Granitic Magmatism of Northwestern Nevada: The Santa Rosa Range Granitoid Suite
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
M.S. Geology (2008)
Thesis Title: Construction of Late Cretaceous, Mid-Crustal Sheeted Plutons from the Eastern Transverse Ranges, Southern California
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
B.A. Geology (Distinction 2005)
Senior Thesis: The Origin of Rhyolite at Mid-Ocean Ridges: Geochronology and Petrology of Trachydacite and Rhyolite, Torfajokull, Iceland
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Understanding the tectonomagmatic development and evolution of the North American Cordillera using igneous and metamorphic petrology, geochemistry, and geochronology
Examining the geochemical and physical links between plutonism and volcanism and the exchange processes operating between the crust and mantle in convergent margin settings
Applications of mineral-scale isotope geochemistry and geochronology
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Applications of radiogenic and stable isotope systems in geoarcheaology and forensic geology.
Using geochemistry to solve environmental issues impacting human health
Developing pedagogical approaches for constructing memorable geosciences courses.