I am interested in reading Earth history from the sedimentary record, especially Earth-system interactions as manifested in climate—the nexus of the Earth system, but also tectonic and eustatic records. Part of my research focuses on the deep-time world of ~300 million years ago. This interval archives the global mountain building that culminated in the assembly of the Pangaean supercontinent, development of global monsoonal circulation, and the record of Earth’s last great “icehouse” and collapse of that icehouse. If we wish to learn about climate behavior on an Earth with large ice sheets, glacial-interglacial climate variations, major orogeny (mountain-building) and associated climatic-tectonic interactions, the effects of atmospheric dust, and biotic responses to these varied influences, the late Paleozoic offers ample opportunity. 

Ironically, my interests in the late Paleozoic have spurred allied interests in dust and loess deposits from both “near” (late Cenozoic) and deep time, and in understanding relationships between climate and rock weathering. Accordingly, I am also involved in studying modern- and near-time sediments from eolian and fluvial systems, as these serve as both archives and agents of climate and climate change, and can spur changes in Earth’s carbon cycling. 

A Note to Prospective Graduate Students: If you find the topics listed above intriguing, you can explore in greater depth by visiting the "Research" and "Lab Group" tabs. The latter lists past and current advisees and projects, to provide a more comprehensive account of my interests. I seek students who have a passion for the geosciences, are fascinated by Earth, and want to contribute knowledge that -- ideally-- enables us to live more sustainably on our planet.  If you are interested in using sedimentary geology to address questions about paleoclimate, Earth System effects of dust, relationships between climate and weathering, deciphering paleotectonics, or allied issues, please contact me.  I guide students to work on projects of sufficient impact to lead to publication in the peer-reviewed literature. My goals are to educate students to 1) think critically and broadly as a geoscientist interested in both Earth's past and its future, 2) contribute to our knowledge of the Earth System, and 3) graduate with the capability of working in a variety of organizations (government, academia, industry). Graduate school applications are due in early January annually for fall-semester admissions. In general, a winter application for fall admission maximizes chances for financial aid. For more information, including admissions requirements, see the School of Geosciences website.