My overarching research theme continues to be geological processes that have affected the terrestrial planets. I have continued studies of water on Mars through hydrologic, geologic, and geomorphic analyses of the valley networks and deltas. A second main area of research involves the geochemical history of Mars. Recent field campaigns to Central American volcanoes were completed to assess the geochemical pathways of chemical alteration and microbiology. We are also completing laboratory experiments and geochemical modeling that represent this natural system and similar environments on Mars. Planetary geologic mapping represents another area of research. I have expanded my research directions into microbiology of extremophiles and unmanned aerial surveys (UAS/drone) of Mars analog field sites, enabled by new grant awards.
ASTR 2040 - The Search for Life in the Universe
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2019 / Fall 2020
Introduces the scientific basis for the possible existence of life elsewhere in the universe. Includes origin and evolution of life on Earth and the search for evidence of life in our solar system, including Mars and Jupiter's moon Europa. Discusses the conditions necessary for life and whether they might arise on planets around other stars. Credit only for this course or ASTR 3300. Same as GEOL 2040.
ASTR 5800 - Planetary Surfaces and Interiors
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018
Examines processes operating on the surfaces of solid planets and in their interiors. Emphasizes spacecraft observations, their interpretation, the relationship to similar processes on Earth, the relationship between planetary surfaces and interiors and the integrated geologic histories of the terrestrial planets and satellites. Same as GEOL 5800.
ASTR 5830 - Topics in Planetary Science
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2023
Examines current topics in planetary science, based on recent discoveries, spacecraft observations and other developments. Focuses on a specific topic each time the course is offered, such as Mars, Venus, Galilean satellites, exobiology, comets or extrasolar planets. Department enforced prerequisite: restricted to graduate students in the physical sciences. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours, provided the topics vary. Same as ATOC 5830 and GEOL 5830.
ASTR 5835 - Seminar in Planetary Science
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2018
Studies current research on a topic in planetary science. Students and faculty give presentations. Subjects may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours to meet candidacy requirements. Department enforced prerequisite: senior level undergraduate physics. Same as ATOC 5835 and GEOL 5835.
ATOC 5830 - Topics in Planetary Science
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2023
Examines current topics in planetary science, based on recent discoveries, spacecraft observations and other developments. Focuses on a specific topic each time the course is offered, such as Mars, Venus, Galilean satellites, exobiology, comets or extrasolar planets. Department enforced prerequisite: restricted to graduate students in the physical sciences. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours, provided the topics vary. Same as GEOL 5830 and ASTR 5830.
GEOL 1170 - Our Deadly Planet
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2024
This course investigates those events so dramatic and catastrophic that they have left evidence in the geologic record that suggest they significantly impacted life on the planet. These include. but are not limited to, violent volcanic eruptions, mega-earthquakes and associated tsunamis, landslides and sector collapse on volcanoes, megafloods, rapid climatic change, superstorms, and impacts from asteroids and comets. The intent is to use examples from recent events and processes to frame and interpret evidence for these types of events observed in the rock record.
GEOL 2040 - The Search for Life in the Universe
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2019 / Fall 2020
Introduces the scientific basis for the possible existence of life elsewhere in the universe. Includes origin and evolution of life on Earth and the search for evidence of life in our solar system, including Mars and Jupiter's moon Europa. Discusses the conditions necessary for life and whether they might arise on planets around other stars. Same as ASTR 2040.
GEOL 3050 - GIS for Geologists
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2023
Provides an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques focused on geological applications. Covers GIS analyzing, mapping and GPS use. Basic computer skills are a plus before entering the class.
GEOL 4150 - Planetary Field Geology
Primary Instructor
-
Summer 2023 / Summer 2024
Provides an overview of the geology, age and origins of the solid (rocky) planets, dwarf planets and moons of our solar system and the processes that form them from comparative studies from comparative geology. Includes modules on volcanism, rifting, aeolian processes, fluvial erosion, impacts, climate change and paleontology. Same as GEOL 5150.
GEOL 5150 - Planetary Field Geology
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Provides an overview of the geology, age and origins of the solid (rocky) planets, dwarf planets and moons of our solar system and the processes that form them from comparative studies from comparative geology. Includes modules on volcanism, rifting, aeolian processes, fluvial erosion, impacts, climate change and paleontology. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours. Same as GEOL 4150.
GEOL 5800 - Planetary Surfaces and Interiors
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018
Examines processes operating on the surfaces of solid planets and in their interiors. Emphasizes spacecraft observations, their interpretation, the relationship to similar processes on Earth, the relationship between planetary surfaces and interiors and the integrated geologic histories of the terrestrial planets and satellites. Same as ASTR 5800.
GEOL 5835 - Seminar in Planetary Science
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2018
Studies current research on a topic in planetary science. Students and faculty give presentations. Subjects may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours to meet candidacy requirements. Department enforced prerequisite: senior level undergraduate physics. Same as ATOC 5835 and ASTR 5835.
GEOL 6940 - Master's Candidate for Degree
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Summer 2022
Registration intended for students preparing for a thesis defense, final examination, culminating activity, or completion of degree.
