My interdisciplinary research combines experimental, observational, analytical, and field-based techniques to study the geochemistry of Earth’s terrestrial, aquatic, and cryosphere systems. There is a dire need to understand the geochemical cycling of salts and nutrients both in modern systems and through time, which can help to predict how Earth’s systems may be perturbed with future changes in climate. In addition, understanding how extreme environments respond to disturbance, and how these processes inform landscape development, could be critical for fundamental ecology and discerning evidence for life or potential habitability on other planets and moons in the Solar System. Research in my group, known as the Polar and Environmental Geochemistry Lab (Polar ENV), focuses on the geochemistry of ice-free and ice-covered environments in the Arctic, Antarctic and urban areas. We are particularly interested in research within the following themes: 1) How does the geochemistry of soil and ice in the cryosphere influence ecosystem development and inform habitat suitability on Earth and within the Solar System? 2) What are the current, past, and future effects of global change on resource-limited arid environments? 3) How do natural systems, urban geochemistry, and equity intersect? 4) How have anthropogenic processes perturbed biogeochemical cycles? Within these themes, I was a co-author on three peer-reviewed publications on Antarctic surface processes, and a co-author on one paper focused on GeoHealth. I have three proposal either funded or recommended for funding that will address issues in Greenland and Antarctica.
GEOG 1011 - Our Changing Planet: Landscapes and Water
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
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 2001 - Topics in Physical Geography
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Examines various topics in physical geography that are not typically covered in the curriculum for lower division students; offered intermittently depending on student demand and availability of instructors.
GEOG 4271 - The Arctic Climate System
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Understanding the climate of the Arctic requires a synthetic, system oriented approach. The course focuses on the intimate linkages between the atmosphere, ocean and land that give the Arctic region its unique character, link the Arctic to the larger global climate system, and promote understanding the rapid changes occurring in the Arctic. Recommended prerequisites: GEOG 3511 or GEOG 3601 or ATOC 3600 or ENVS 3600 and statistics. Same as GEOG 5271.
GEOG 5271 - The Arctic Climate System
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Understanding the climate of the Arctic requires a synthetic, system oriented approach. The course focuses on the intimate linkages between the atmosphere, ocean and land that give the Arctic region its unique character, link the Arctic to the larger global climate system, and promote understanding the rapid changes occurring in the Arctic. Same as GEOG 4271.
