My research interests are broadly centered around sedimentation and landscape evolution in Miocene and younger, tectonically active regions. In a narrower sense, I seek to understand how the depositional products and morphological features of modern marginal marine environments can be applied to ancient settings to reconstruct the paleoenvironments and tectonic evolution of a region.
My work is accomplished primarily via field-based geologic mapping, sedimentology, stratigraphy, and structural geology. Additionally, I utilize statistical analysis and numerical modeling of remotely sensed morphological features to shed light on landscape evolution.
Current and Recent Projects
Tidal sedimentation on the Baja Peninsula
I am a part of the Baja GeoGenomics Consortium research team working to understand the connection between landscape and biological evolution on the Baja Peninsula. My work with this group is focused on testing hypotheses for a trans-peninsular seaway through the examination of Miocene to recent sedimentary deposits in the mid-peninsular region.
Morphology of Tidal and Fluvial Channels
Another aspect of my work seeks to quantify the differences between the planform geometries of tidal and fluvial channels, identify from where these differences arise, and test whether these differences can be applied to relict channel networks to determine their origin. This work is accomplished primarily through remote-sensing, numerical modeling, and statistical analysis.
Landscape Evolution on the Baja Peninsula
I study the flexural profiles of uplifted terraces on the western flank of the Baja Peninsula. Using numerical modeling, remote sensing, and stratigraphy, I aim to constrain the timing, magnitude, rate, and driving mechanisms of post-Miocene tectonism on the Baja Peninsula.
