My research centers around the formation of silicic igneous rocks as a means of understanding the physical and chemical processes occurring in magmatic systems. Below are brief summaries of the main topics my work follows.
Magmatic Differentiation
Magmatic systems on Earth produce a wide compositional spectrum of rocks compared to other planets. I'm interested in examining the physical and chemical process governing magmatic differentiation, particularly with regard to silicic compositions.
Enclave Formation & Melt-Rock Interaction
I have a long-standing interest in mafic enclaves as they are ubiquitous in silicic plutons and provide insight into the emplacement and thermal history of their host magma body. My work in this area combines field observations with geochemical data at a variety of lengthscales ranging from individual crystals to entire plutons.
Volcanic Arc Evolution
Volcanoes are the surface manifestation of lithospheric igneous activity. They provide us with a way to interrogate magmatic and tectonic processes as well as cycling of elements between Earth's surface and interior. I utilize geochemical systematics at a variety of scales to examine how arcs change through time.
Geology of Western North America
The geology of the western United States has always interested me in part because my home state is California. It is also a tectonically dynamic region with world-class geology. My research has primarily been on the Peninsular Ranges in southern California, but I have also worked on projects in the Cascades Range, Sierra Nevada, and the Great Basin.