Geophysics Projects
I have a variety of interests in structure, kinematics, and dynamics of active tectonic regions from the upper mantle through the crust, particularly subduction zones and convergent settings.
Many of my activities center around quantitative assessment of structural and kinematic tectonic models using many types of geophysical data in conjunction with geological constraints. Field mapping of potential field anomalies alongside geologic mapping projects forms the core of many of my investigations. For other projects, I predominantly use the collection and analysis of seismic data.
I also use data and results from my tectonic investigations to evaluate neotectonics and seismic hazards for urban areas, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, but I have also worked in Southern California.
My typical projects are integrative and cross-disciplinary, because I believe collaboration of colleagues with complementary expertise is an essential approach that leads to many of the strongest, most lasting geological discoveries. Read More –>
Geophysics Expertise
I’m a Jill-of-all-trades geophysicist because the most powerful interpretations of geophysical data often involve applying multiple data types to a problem. I have both field and analysis expertise for a range of geophysical data types:
Gravimeter operation, survey design, data collection techniques, GIS analysis and filtering, map-view interpretation and 2-D forward model construction. Expert
Ground magnetometer operation, survey design, data collection techniques, GIS analysis and filtering, map-view interpretation and 2-D forward model construction. High proficiency to Expert
Broadband seismometer survey design, deployment, data archiving, and seismic trace analysis for application to hypocenter determination, focal mechanism computation, and shear-wave splitting analysis. Expert
Multi-node electrical resistivity experiment design, field data collection and 2D tomographic inversion. Experienced to Proficient
Campaign GPS network design, station deployment, and data interpretation. Proficient
Texan geophone field deployment and data interpretation. Experienced
Geode-based geophone field deployment, seismic refraction analysis and data interpretation. Experienced
In addition to expertise in individual geophysical techniques, I have a degree in geology and 10 years experience teaching geology at the undergraduate level. What does this have to do with geophysics? I’m well-armed to serve as a bridge between different expert communities in the geosciences. I can not only understand and communicate with experts for a range of geophysical techniques, I can also translate between geophysics and geological communities, which often don’t speak exactly the same scientific language. Read More –>
Nonfiction Writing
I’m a budding creative nonfiction writer. Though this is what I do with my free time, I’m looking for opportunities to apply my growing skills to science writing, especially communicating scientific goals and studies to the public. I’m currently looking to expand my portfolio. If you have a project that might suit my skills and experience I’d love to hear from you.
Teaching Experience
I have always tried to build a complete classroom environment that uses inquiry to effectively engage students in the joy of learning.
My personal philosophy of teaching that underpins the mechanical operations of an inquiry-based classroom is to create activities that require students to be scientists, not just learn about science.
I strongly believe that the goal of education is to prepare students for what matters in life. I find students are empowered by the responsibility of finding their own truth and feel the weight and significance of what they achieve by applying the scientific process to significant scientific questions.
Therefore primary field geologic investigations and mapping formed the core of my teaching strategy.
Though I have left the profession of formal teaching, I still enjoy working one-on-one in mentoring relationships with young people who are learning to be scientists. I also enjoy giving talks about geology, tectonics and earthquake hazards to the public and would be happy to be a guest in the classroom. Read more –>
When I’m Playing Around
When I’m not thinking about geology or writing, I have a wide array of hobbies connected to the Earth.
I love to be outdoors hiking, canyoneering, road biking, mountain biking, running, swimming and my newest sport, packrafting. My husband and I have a Sprinter van that we outfitted as a camper and we like to take it out adventuring, often bringing along our explorer cat Leon.
I also like to dig in the earth, maintaining an array of xeric plants in our yard and planting southwest-adapted vegetables in our garden. I enjoy farmer’s markets and spend much of my free time in the fall preserving vegetables so that we can eat locally year round.
When I want to relax at home, I like to read creative nonfiction and political/adventure histories, usually with a cat in my lap, or crochet while watching back episodes of Law and Order. I have an abiding interest in democracy and our justice system and I’ll spend time learning about the latest social events from news or podcasts. More Fun Pictures –>
