STATEMENT OF RESEARCH INTERESTS

My primary research interests are: 1) Continental arc magmatism, specifically the generation of rhyolite in continental
arcs, and 2) U-series systematics in rhyolite, particularly the use of U-series isotopes in learning about the timescales of
rhyolite formation, and the effect of open system differentiation processes on 238U-230Th disequilibria.

Experience:  Although my research is currently focused on volcanic rocks and isotope geochemistry, I am also
interested in the relationship between igneous activity and crustal deformation.  As a masters student I studied
metamorphic rocks in northeastern Mexico that were entrained as exotic blocks in a salt diaper.  Using stratigraphy,
structure and tectonics in addition to geochemistry, we concluded that a continental rift, now referred to as the
Mexican Borderland Rift, existed in northern Mexico during the Jurassic (Garrison and McMillan, 1997).
I am very interested in continuing this integrated type of research.

Current Research:  My current research is on Cotopaxi Volcano, located in the Northern Volcanic Zone (NVZ) of
the Andes in South America.  Through an intensive study of Cotopaxi Volcano we are learning about magma-genesis
in the NVZ, including evolution of the Cotopaxi system, rhyolite formation, timescales and processes of evolution.
By combining detailed and dated stratigraphy with geochemistry (major and trace elements and isotopes), we
are extracting information about how the system has evolved through time, and by applying the principals of
U-series isotopes we can estimate timescales of rhyolite formation.

Future research:  I plan to continue my research on timescales of rhyolite formation by applying U-series dating techniques
to rhyolite from caldera settings such as those in the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes, the Cascades and New Zealand;
however, I am also expanding my research to address problems that combine geochemistry and tectonics/structural
geology.  Due to the fact that crustal deformation and magmatism are often linked (e.g. rift magmatism, syntectonic
emplacement of plutons), analyses of igneous rocks related to crustal deformation can address questions involving
magma source regions, timing and mechanisms of deformation.

Analytical Experience:  I have extensive experience in the field of analytical geochemistry, having performed Thermal
and Secondary Ionization Mass Spectrometry analyses at the Keck Center for Isotope Geochemistry at UCLA.
I am well versed in the concepts and use of the ICP-MS, as I performed analyses of U and Th nuclides on the
Thermo Finnigan quadrupole ICP-MS at the University of Bristol, UK.  I am familiar with the electron microprobe
and the scanning electron microscope, and I have used the laser fluorination technique to perform oxygen isotope
analyses at University of London, Royal Holloway.  I have also used X-ray fluorescence  (XRF) and X-ray
diffraction (XRD) technology for rock analysis.