|
 |
|
TEACHING AND RESEARCH INTERESTS:
• soil science
• geomorphology & surface Processes
• mechanical weathering processes
• active tectonics and paleoseismology
• geo-ecology and paleoclimatology
DEGREES:
Ph.D. (2002) Geology, University of New Mexico
M.S. (1997) Geology, New Mexico Tech
B.S. (1993) Geology, Washington and Lee University
PROFILE:
I consider myself a geologist, a geomorphologist and a soil scientist.
I use the tools and methods of all of these disciplines to explore
the past and modern processes affecting the surface of the Earth.
Most of my research involves a strong field-based component and
is often interdisciplinary. Currently I have active collaborations
with ecologists, structural geologists, seismologists, sedimentologists
and civil engineers to name a few.
The primary focus of my research and teaching is soil science and
geomorphology in the context of landscapes, ecology, geology and
surface processes. My research consists of a variety of projects
where I utilize soils to examine and interpret landscapes. For example,
I examine soil field and laboratory characteristics in order to
determine the age of different geologic deposits and to contribute
to the interpretation of cosmogenic radionuclide profile dating.
I use soil properties to interpret landscape and site-specific erosion
rates and/or stability. I am interested in how soils influence hydrologic
properties of the sediment or rock in which they form and how soil
properties themselves influence ecosystems and surfaces processes.
Of late, I have also held a particular interest in physical weathering
processes. With Dr. Les McFadden, I have been evaluating a new hypothesis
for how rocks crack due to directional thermal expansion and contraction
on Earth and on Mars. I have also been documenting granular disintegration
of marbles and formation of marble grus in the desert U.S.
Current graduate students: Ryan Bierma (M.S. Earth Sciences) is
doing detailed field mapping of soils, surface deposits and active
structures in the Reno valley, Italy. Brad
Johnson (Ph.D. Environmental Systems) is examining Pleistocene
and possible Holocene glacial features in the Southern San Juan
Mountains, New Mexico. Lee Lehman (M.S. Biology) is examining the
relationship between soil properties and surface processes on the
location and health of endangered plant communities in the Piedmont
of North Carolina.
If you are looking for a graduate program or advisor, please feel
free to call or email to discuss potential projects and our programs
at UNC Charlotte. I look forward to hearing from you.
|
|
