Current Research Projects
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Tectonics & Chronology Research
My geologic research is split between field work and lab work, with a smattering of computational work. Regions of interest include more local areas in the western U.S. as well as several international sites with active tectonics.
Tectonic growth of the Andean Precordillera
Exploration of fault growth patterns and surface processes by combining low-temperature thermochronometry and cosmogenic radionuclide dating to evaluate erosion rates at different spatial and temporal scales: Andean Pre-cordillera fold-thrust belt (D. Granger, D. Shuster, P. O'Sullivan, CSULB Graduate Student V. Ruiz, and CSULB undergraduates).
Paleo-topography and Paleo-altimetry: Rocky Mountains and Great Plains
Determining the role rifting and fault growth plays in basin connectivity and drainage pathways, through sedimentary analysis, provenance studies, and fault growth across accommodation zones. (A. Tye, J. Rugenstein, AGeS Cohort (CSULB and UT Tech Undergraduates) and CSULB graduate student H. Cockroft).
Fault growth and basin integration in the western US
Integration of fault growth analyses, stratigraphic and fossil characterization, and geologic mapping to assess tectonically driven changes across the Basin and Range and Walker Lane Belt, US (K. Loughney, & J. Pearse, CSULB graduate students (L. Light, N. Berry, S. Streker, T. Gyesi), CSULB undergraduates, and Cerritos College students)
Low-temperature thermochronology modeling methods
Numerical thermal history modelling has become a core approach used for interpretation of low-temperature thermochronometry data. We have several projects dedicated to the continuing development of better practices for modeling and data collection & reporting (D. Westby, K. Murray, A. Stevens-Goddard, M. Wildman, K. Gallagher).
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Science Education Research
My science education research focuses on student research and field experiences as a means to increase students' interest and comfortability with STEM and prepare for careers in Earth science.
Development of Universal Skills
Making incremental changes to field courses, following the UFERN model, to increase development of universal skills and student self-advocacy. Evaluation of these changes and their effects is on-going using pre- and post-surveys as well as analysis of student writing projects (J. Gutierrez, S. Doser)
Using student Context Factors to Design and Advertise New Courses
When courses are intended to increase interest and participation in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), do they consider student context factors when designing those courses? We ask why students sign up for certain courses and what components of those courses contribute to feelings towards STEM subjects.
Geology of Local Parks class changing students' perceptions of STEM fields
Using a flipped model for introducing students to field trips, data collection, lab work, data interpretation, and science communication, combined with a deep look into human impacts at local and national parks, this project aims to increase student awareness of Earth Science applications, increase science literacy, and build recruitment into STEM and especially Earth Science disciplines.
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Past Research Projects
