Research
The structural geology and tectonics research group addresses topical problems in structural geology, regional geology and tectonics, and how rocks deform--at the atomic to the plate tectonic scale. The goals of our research are to contribute to our basic knowledge of deformation at the lithospheric scale, how deformation at depth is coupled to that at the surface, and to better understand the driving forces for this deformation. We utilize a variety of approaches, both traditional and innovative. Our work is field-based, involving an important component of geologic mapping in addition to structural and microstructural analysis, stratigraphic and sedimentologic studies, metamorphic and igneous petrology, cross-section balancing, modeling and geophysical data. Timing and rates of deformational events, based on geochronologic and thermochronologic data sets, are key to our research.
Teaching
I teach mostly at the upper undergraduate level with courses in field geology, structural geology and tectonics, and thin section petrography. At the graduate level, I organize topical seminars in tectonics and regional geology, field-based research projects and trips, and teach advanced classes in rock microstructures and deformation.
Professional Activities
Participant/Leader Expedition to Brooks Range, Arctic Alaska; U.S. Participant, Expedition to Chukotka, North East Arctic Russia, 2011; U.S. Participant, Expedition to Polar Urals, Arctic Russia, 2009; U.S. Participant, Expedition to Lena Delta, Arctic Russia, 2008; Invited Chair, Session on Lithosphere of the Western U.S., NSF EarthScope Biennial Conference, 2009; Keynote Speaker, GSA Penrose Conference on the Origins of the Amerasian Basin of the Arctic, 2009; Chief U.S. Geologist, Geological Expedition to Wrangel Island, Russia, 2006; Geologist expedition to Yana River, 2008, Polar Urals, 2009, Chukotka, Arctic Russia, 2011.