I am a geomorphologist focused on the interaction of chemical processes and physical erosion processes on the Earth’s surface, with an emphasis on cold regions. I study how rock breaks down to be released into mobile regolith (or soil) through physical stresses and chemical alteration. The architecture of weathered rock and soil layers at the surface reflects the history of rock emplacement, tectonic movements, attack by biologic systems (roots and microorganisms), water, and erosion processes. I study the effects of weathering, erosion processes, and specific erosional systems: e.g., weathered rock strength, water flow paths, rates of mobile regolith formation, rock chemical alteration, solute fluxes, fluvial systems, hillslope systems, glaciers, and permafrost. The goal is to develop models that describe interaction of erosion and weathering processes to form the architecture of the near-surface environments, also known as the critical zone and that affect global chemical and water cycles.
GEOG 1011 - Our Changing Planet: Landscapes and Water
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
In many ways, the Earth is defined by its abundance of water and vigorous hydrologic cycle. This course introduces how floodplains and their associated river systems, river deltas, erosional features such as the Grand Canyon, depositional features such as Cape Cod and Long Island, as well as mountain and even desert landscapes reflect the great power of water in shaping our planet and impacting life on Earth.
GEOG 4241 - Earth Surface Processes
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2024
Earth�s surface is constantly reshaped by water, ice, wind, and life. This class investigates the earth's landscapes and the processes that modify them, both gradually by slow weathering and erosion, and abruptly through the action of floods, landslides, and other geologic events. We cover surface processes in hillslope, glacial, riverine, desert, and coastal environments. Upon completion of the course, students will have mastered knowledge about diverse surface processes and landforms and applied core geomorphic principles to a variety of landscapes. Students will also learn that understanding surface processes is important for managing natural hazards (e.g., landslides and floods). This course will draw from many disciplines, including geology, geography, physics, chemistry, and biology. The laboratory portion of the course will include quantitative problem solving and field trips to collect and analyze geomorphic data. Same as GEOL 4241.
GEOG 4261 - Glaciers and Permafrost
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Surveys the major terrestrial components of the cryosphere, including permafrost, glaciers and ice sheets. Emphasizes physical processes involving ice, including thermal behavior, ice deformation and mass balance, but also considers biogeochemical processes and landforms associated with ice. The climate context, including human interactions and recent climate history, will be considered. Taught in a combination lecture-seminar format. Recommended prerequisite: GEOG 4241.
GEOL 1010 - Exploring Earth
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2023
Introductory geology for majors and non-majors. Studies Earth, its materials, its characteristics, its dynamic processes, and how it relates to people. Separate lab (GEOL 1030) is recommended. Degree credit not granted for both GEOL 1010 and GEOL 1012.
GEOL 1170 - Our Deadly Planet
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
This course investigates those events so dramatic and catastrophic that they have left evidence in the geologic record that suggest they significantly impacted life on the planet. These include. but are not limited to, violent volcanic eruptions, mega-earthquakes and associated tsunamis, landslides and sector collapse on volcanoes, megafloods, rapid climatic change, superstorms, and impacts from asteroids and comets. The intent is to use examples from recent events and processes to frame and interpret evidence for these types of events observed in the rock record.
GEOL 3090 - Developing Scientific Writing Skills
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
Focuses on the development of scientific writing skills. Enhances student ability to write professionally, revise text and review the work of others. Writing assignments integrate the subject matter of different topics in earth science. Department enforced prerequisites: a lower division writing course and two of the following: GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2005 or GEOL 2700 or GEOL 3010 or GEOL 3030 or GEOL 3120 or GEOL 3320 or GEOL 3430 or GEOL 3820.
GEOL 4241 - Earth Surface Processes
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024
Earth�s surface is constantly reshaped by water, ice, wind, and life. This class investigates the earth's landscapes and the processes that modify them, both gradually by slow weathering and erosion, and abruptly through the action of floods, landslides, and other geologic events. We cover surface processes in hillslope, glacial, riverine, desert, and coastal environments. Upon completion of the course, students will have mastered knowledge about diverse surface processes and landforms and applied core geomorphic principles to a variety of landscapes. Students will also learn that understanding surface processes is important for managing natural hazards (e.g., landslides and floods). This course will draw from many disciplines, including geology, geography, physics, chemistry, and biology. The laboratory portion of the course will include quantitative problem solving and field trips to collect and analyze geomorphic data. Same as GEOG 4241.
GEOL 5700 - Geological Topics Seminar
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Offers seminar studies in geological subjects of special current interest. Primarily for graduate students, as departmental staff and facilities permit. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours provided that topics vary.
GEOL 5702 - Geomorphology Seminar
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
Explores the dynamics and forms of the earth's surface through critical reading and discussion of both classical and modern literature. May be repeated up to 10 total credit hours.
GEOL 6950 - Master's Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Summer 2021 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
