Affiliation(s):

• Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Geology, Wayne State University

• AB in Geosciences from Princeton University
• PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences from UC Berkeley

I study the deformation of earth materials, particularly those from the middle and lower continental crust, deeper than about 15 km. Since we are currently unable to drill to these depths (the deepest borehole is ~13 km) I study these rocks where tectonic processes have brought them up to the surface.  Deformation at middle to lower crustal conditions causes rocks to develop unique textures, which can in turn cause seismic waves to travel at different speeds in different directions. This directional dependence of seismic velocity is called anisotropy, and is a property that can be observed from Earth’s surface. By studying the deformation textures and resulting seismic anisotropy of middle and lower crustal rocks I hope to improve our ability to interpret observations of seismic anisotropy and better understand the composition, structure, and deformation processes active in the middle and lower continental crust.

I started studying deformation textures and their relationship to seismic anisotropy as a postdoc at UC Santa Barbara. I’ve always been fascinated by metamorphic rocks, and the complex history of deformation and metamorphism they record, and how we can use that to understand tectonic processes in the past. My PhD focused on a tectonic controversy known as the Baja-BC hypothesis, and I used the tool of thermochronology to unravel the thermal history of a set of plutonic rocks. During my PhD I learned that no single method would be capable of answering the bigger questions in Earth science, so I set out to become a truly interdisciplinary scientist, and took on a whole new skill set during my postdoc. This interdisciplinary quest has led me to my current research area that aims to link geophysical observations directly to the geologic materials and processes that produce them.

As a geoscientist I think understanding our planet is of the utmost importance. It is becoming increasingly important that we understand not only our planet, but our own role in shaping the future of this planet. The emerging areas of research that I am most excited about include carbon sequestration and alternative natural resources, including those used for energy as well as for manufacturing, as these will help improve our stewardship of the planet.

This is also impossible for me. I have had so many people that have acted as mentors and role models for me that I simply cannot choose one.

I have a long list of extracurricular activities and hobbies, including ice hockey, soccer, running and training for marathons, gardening, cooking, brewing beer, playing guitar and singing, knitting, and skydiving to name a few.