Research Interests

Although I have a broad love for geology, I consider myself an igneous petrologist. Specifically, I enjoy using  chemistry to understand magmatic and volcanic processes.

My research has so far focused on altered volcanic materials. In my first project, I examined volcaniclastic sediments recovered from the Hikurangi Margin, New Zealand, to assess potential links between subduction of seamounts and the slow slip earthquakes occurring in the region. Particularly, I’m interested in how the diagenetic alteration of volcaniclastic sediments can provide pore fluids to the subduction zone.

In my second project and current work, I examine volcanic ash that has been altered into bentonite. Bentonites fascinate me – their chemistry holds information about both the original magmatic systems as well as the depositional systems. Disentangling the two is a complex but rewarding task!

In a previous project, I determined the composition of volcanic ash layers before they were altered into bentonites to understand how volcanism at continental arcs changes compositionally over time. Currently, I’m interested in further examining these bentonites to look for additional magmatic and diagenetic signals. How were the magmatic and tectonic systems changing to produce these compositional changes? Which elements were mobile and immobile during bentonite diagenesis? What information has been preserved by the minerals and bentonites, and what information has been lost?

Skills

I have a love of optical mineralogy and petrography, and used these skills extensively for my first publication.

 

I have worked with a μXRF element mapper and solution and laser-ablation ICPMS at Rice. I’ve also dabbled in EPMA and hope to continue to refine these skills.

Education and Outreach Interests

I am currently working on the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, an accredited pedagogy program offered at Rice. I am fascinated with understanding how learning works, and how I can better understand and reach my students.

I am also strongly interested in science communication. At Rice, I am involved with EEPS Reach, a student-run group for departmental outreach. I enjoy sharing both my research and my love of science with the public!