COSA: Convergent Orogen System Analysis

2008-2010 | University of Arizona Geosciences & ExxonMobil
During my Master's research, I was part of a large interdisciplinary project investigating the evolution of the central Andean cordillera to test a provocative hypothesis: The spatial-temporal patterns of crustal shortening, basin development, surface uplift, lithospheric foundering, and magmatism in the central Andes exhibit cyclic behavior (see DeCelles et al, 2009). In addition to my own work on the mafic lavas of the Puna Plateau, I also contributed to the thermochronologic and paleoelevation aspects of this project with Peter Reiners and Jay Quade, which led to several unexpected side projects—including our observations of the strange rubbing boulders of the Atacama Desert.
GSA Memoir 212 Geodynamics of a Cordilleran Orogenic System: The Central Andes of Argentina and Northern Chile includes many of our papers.
During my Master's research, I was part of a large interdisciplinary project investigating the evolution of the central Andean cordillera to test a provocative hypothesis: The spatial-temporal patterns of crustal shortening, basin development, surface uplift, lithospheric foundering, and magmatism in the central Andes exhibit cyclic behavior (see DeCelles et al, 2009). In addition to my own work on the mafic lavas of the Puna Plateau, I also contributed to the thermochronologic and paleoelevation aspects of this project with Peter Reiners and Jay Quade, which led to several unexpected side projects—including our observations of the strange rubbing boulders of the Atacama Desert.
GSA Memoir 212 Geodynamics of a Cordilleran Orogenic System: The Central Andes of Argentina and Northern Chile includes many of our papers.
SCOTIA: sedimentary connections and ocean thoroughfare in the Antarctic

2007-2008 | Team Barbeau at the U of South Carolina & U.S. Antarctic Program
During the 2007-2008 International Polar Year, I spent an austral summer as a field assistant in Tierra del Fuego and on the R/V Laurence M. Gould around the Antarctic Peninsula, collecting rocks to test the Polar Gateway Hypothesis of early Oligocene Antarctic glaciation.
See Pictures from an Expedition and Researchers search for clues to date Drake Passage.
During the 2007-2008 International Polar Year, I spent an austral summer as a field assistant in Tierra del Fuego and on the R/V Laurence M. Gould around the Antarctic Peninsula, collecting rocks to test the Polar Gateway Hypothesis of early Oligocene Antarctic glaciation.
See Pictures from an Expedition and Researchers search for clues to date Drake Passage.
Keck Nova Scotia: Evolution of a continental margin

2006-2007 | Jade Star Lackey and the Keck Geology Consortium
Undergraduate research experience and senior thesis at Carleton College.
Undergraduate research experience and senior thesis at Carleton College.