Curriculum Vitae
Research Themes
Volcano formation, evolution, and hazards: I study volcanoes and their erupted products. My focus has been on effusive and mildly explosive eruptions which produce lava flows and proximal vent constructs.
​
Planetary geology: I study the origin and evolution of planetary interiors and surfaces using orbital-based data, laboratory analog experiments, and modeling.
With more collaborations, my interests will evolve to include other methodologies, geologic processes, planetary bodies, and mission involvement. Additionally, student involvement sits at the heart of my research, and I want to provide ample opportunities for students to participate in impactful science.
Education
2015-2020
PhD in Geological Sciences
Arizona State University
Advisor: Philip R. Christensen
​
Dissertation title: Investigating lava flow emplacement: implications for volcanic hazards and planetary evolution
2013-2015
MS in Geological Sciences
Arizona State University
Advisor: Philip R. Christensen
​
Thesis title: Investigating Late Amazonian Volcanotectonic Activity on Olympus Mons, Mars using Flank Vents and Arcuate Graben
2007-2010
Bachelors of Science
Mississippi State University
Major: Psychology​
Minor: Geosciences
Magna cum laude
Work Experience
2024 - present
Visiting Assistant Professor | Middlebury College
In addition to teaching introductory and upper-level Earth science courses, I operate PRESSURE (Planetary Research, Earth Science, and Space UndeRgraduate Experience) – an undergraduate centered research group focused on volcanology and planetary geology research experience and professional development.
2023 - 2024
Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow | Middlebury College
As a postdoctoral fellow at Middlebury College, I taught 2 courses per academic year, mentored students in my research group, and served on student thesis committees
2021-2022
Postdoctoral Fellow | University of Idaho
Investigated the connection between lava flow morphology and crystallinity
Skills & Expertise
-
Laboratory: analog experimentation using polyethylene glycol wax to simulate lava flow emplacement; infrared spectrometer; scanning electron microscope
-
Fieldwork: Lava flow margin characterization (2016 – Idaho, USA); in situ sampling of lava flows (Arizona, USA and Iceland); characterization of tephra deposits by digging pits (Mexico); in situ characterization of lava flows using LIBS (2022 – Iceland)
​​​​
-
Software/Coding: Proficient – Image J, JMARS, MS Office Suite, Overleaf (LaTeX), Tracker. Some experience – Davinci, ESRI ArcGIS, HTML, ISIS3, Matlab, RStudio