Assistant Professor of Instruction & Online M.S. Program Director
Clippinger Laboratories 339
Education
- Ph.D. Earth and Planetary Sciences 2014, Johns Hopkins University
- M.A. Earth and Planetary Sciences 2011, Johns Hopkins University
- B.S. Geosciences 2009, University of Arizona
Research Interests
- Online and open-access education
- Astrobiology
- Origins of Life
- Aqueous Geochemistry
- Mineral surface chemistry
- Mineralogy
My research is diversified across several different sub-disciplines of geosciences. Much of my published research has focused on the attachment of organic molecules at mineral surfaces and the decomposition of organics at simulated hydrothermal conditions with implications for hypothetical origins of life scenarios. I am also interested in the long-term preservation of ancient life, differentiating purported fossils of microorganisms from pseudofossils, and characterizing different mineral species. Over the past five years, my primary focus has been developing effective methods in online geosciences education and creating open educational resources for students and teachers.