I am nearing completition of my Ph.D. in Geological Sciences within the School of
Earth and Space Exploration. My dissertation is multifaceted including aspects of earthquake geology
tectonic geomorphology, urban hydrology/geology, and environmental justice. If you would like to look
at a Chapter by chapter outline of my dissertation it is located here.
Specifically, I have been using the tools of paleoseismic excavation, tectonic
geomorphic mapping, and post-earthquake field investigations to gain insight into fault zone
structure and kinematics along the central San Andreas Fault System and I have been
investigating the role of humans in modifying landscapes with particular emphasis in desert urban environments
and the implications for water/sediment transport and ecological outcomes. Finally I try to bring together
the linkages between geologic processes and society by looking at how earthquake hazards translate into
risk for different populations in California.
Check out my research page to learn more.
I am at the top of Mt. Humphrey's (12,600+ ft) in Northern Arizona (2004)
BACKGROUND:
As a youngster in Vermont I spent a lot of time outside in the Green
Mountains, the primary influence that led me to geology. I grew up in
the town of Morrisville, VT and attended People's Academy Highschool.
After highschool, I moved on to the "big city" of Burlington, Vermont and the University of Vermont.
Burlington and UVM are great places that offered great times, however
after success as a Geology Undergraduate I was ready to leave the
fridgid north. So I packed my bags and moved to Tempe, Arizona and
joined the Department of Geological Sciences at Arizona State
University (Now the School of Earth and Space Exploration).
HOBBIES:
Most of my non-academic interests are athletic related activites.
Some of these have been scaled back since my aortic valve surgery and the
blood thinners I now have to take. I enjoy basketball, rockclimbing, hiking,
cycling, running, golf, skiing,sailing with relatives, and traveling to see
both old and new places. However, I am also quite an innovative cook and I
like to spend time tinkering with bikes and enjoy drawing occasionally.
CAREER GOALS AND RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Ideally, I would like to attain a professorship with significant academic freedom
to explore and share my many interests in the interactions between the earth system and
human activities. I enjoy teaching and involving students in my research. I am most-interested
in human-related aspects of geology/earth science. Specifically, I am interested in research
involving active tectonics, fluvial processes and sediment transport, and how human activities
interact with geomorphic and hydrogeologic systems.
