Research

Across the globe, long-lived continental margins preserve complex and/or poly-phase tectonic histories in the form of ductile structural fabrics (foliations and lineations) that are often difficult to untangle based on traditional field and structural geology observations alone. I’m interested in using petrochronology and multi-mineral geo-and thermochronology to differentiate medium to high-grade fabrics in crustal rocks, particularly within quartzo-feldspathic mylonites. I utilize apatite, zircon, and titanite U-Pb thermo- and geochronology, along with traditional structural analyses and electron microscopic techniques (e.g., EBSD, BSE), to constrain cross-cutting relationships and mylonitic fabric formation. I’m also interested in understanding the rates and timing of shallow-crustal cooling and exhumation and I utilize zircon and apatite (U-Th)/He thermochronology in lineation-parallel transects across extensional and contractional terranes. While my PhD and MS work has allowed me to build a strong geochronologic and structural geology skillset, my research experience began with igneous petrology and geochemistry during my undergraduate honors thesis!

Below I have divided my research experience and interests into geographic region—click the image to learn more!