Details
My research focuses on volcanism and magmatism, both modern and ancient. I examine these processes by looking at the information recorded in crystals erupted in lavas and ash. By measuring the ratios of radioactive isotopes in these minerals, you can answer questions about the timescales of magmatic processes at volcanoes, such as how long it takes to generate a body of magma, how long can you store magma in the crust and what are the rates of eruptions during the lifetime of a volcano. All of these questions lead us to a greater understanding of what happens under a volcano before an eruption.
Currently, I have active research projects at Lassen Peak in northern California, Mt. Hood in Oregon, and Mineral King in the central Sierra Nevada. I have had students work with me on these research projects, leading to presentations at major geology meetings and co-authorships on research papers. If you’re interested in working with me, send me an email.
I also strongly believe in making science accessible to the general public. To that end, I write a blog on geology called Rocky Planet. I distill the sometimes-disparate information out there about the geology of Earth (and other planets) so that anyone can understand why it is so exciting. The blog is visited by thousands of readers a day that vary from casual readers to seasoned geologists. This work has lead me to be part of Denison’s Journalism program and have students interested science communication work with me to hone their skills and explore how to write compelling science.