Nathan Wilkens Other Research Projects

Sample collection at Searles Lake, California

OTHER RESEARCH PROJECTS

In addition to my dissertation work with the Navajo Sandstone, I am also working on several other research projects, including:

Characterization of Basalt-System-Related Terrestrial Fossil Preservation Environments
This work is being done to determine the chemical fossilization environment in Tertiary bog deposits located within basaltic flood deposits. Sites in Nevada and Washington State have very similar plant fossils and appear to be similar in preservation mode, however, the mechanism for preservation is currently unclear.

Caterpillar Coprolites from the Miocene Yakima Canyon Locality, Washington State
Small structures found within the plant fossils superficially resemble plant structures. In detail, they are composed of masticated plant bits and superficially resemble caterpillar frass. Work is being done to determine the plant material, depositional environment, and possible caterpillar taxa responsible.

Autofluorescence Imaging in Paleontology
I am continuing work done with my dissertation on techniques to image fossil plant and animal materials using their autofluorescent properties. Further work is being performed with laser confocal studies to use mineral autofluorescence to re-construct microfossils in three dimensions.

I have had the pleasure to work on several research projects in the past, including:

The Search for Neoproterozoic Meiofauna
This research project was designed to search for the oldest metazoan (animal) life in the fossil record by focusing on possible taphonomic windows. Candidate locations were found and extraction techniques developed to maximize the effectiveness of the search. Although this project was initiated as a requirement for my PhD exams, it is a valid research topic that I would like to continue.

Characterization of Diurnal Meiofaunal Migrations in Microbial Mat Communities, Guerrero Negro, Mexico.
Research was performed to statistically measure the diurnal movements of microbial mat community members to changes in chemical gradients. These communities included diatoms, sulfide tolerant nematodes, Beggiotoa sp. (sulfide oxidizing bacteria), and Microcoleus sp. (cyanobacteria). Research was assisted by Jack Farmer

Predator Prey Escalation in Naticid Gastropods
I identified Miocene mollusc fines in a vertical section to create a database showing the affects of predation in a population over time. Further work was done to characterize and quantify Naticid drill damage. Research directed by Patricia H. Kelley.