Mentoring Student Research

I encourage students to pursue their own research questions rather than simply contributing to my projects. By taking ownership of their ideas, they become more invested in the discovery process and develop as independent scientists. Our collaborations are mutually rewarding — students gain confidence and experience, while their creativity and curiosity often inspire new directions that expand my own research.

Research Students

2003-2004      Rhiannon Bock (’04)

Project title: Silurian-Ordovician carbonate landslides of the Snake Range, NV: ordered chaos

2003-2004      Paul Riley (’04)

Project title: Evolution of controlling factors during deformation in the Snake Range decollement, NV (honors)

2003-2005      Bryn Benford (’05)

Project title: Examining deformation in the core of a fold: Implications for fold tightening mechanisms (honors)

2005-2006      Bryn Benford (’05)

Project title: Fracture patterns used to accommodate bend-folding, Front Range, CO.  $4,000

2006-2007      Alaina DeGiornio (’08)

Project title: Tracking cataclastic flow using a ring-shear device.

2006-2007      Alaina DeGiornio (’08)

Project title: Progressive evolution of mylonite zones within the Conococheague Limestone, Lancaster, PA

2007-2008      Robert Bell (’08)

Project title: Fracture network evolution in buckle and bend folds: using examples from the Appalachian Valley & Ridge, Colorado Front Range, and Moroccan Anti-Atlas

2008-2009      Erin Bradley (’09)

Project title: Porosity and permeability potential within transverse zones: An example from the Leamington transverse zone, central Utah

2008-2009      Elizabeth Cole (’09)

Project title: Geomorphological contrasts between landslides and normal faults: implications for tectonic stability (honors)

2008-2009      Justin Herbert (’09)    

Project title: Unraveling the Juniata culmination, Valley and Ridge province, Appalachian mountains: Implications for fold-thrust belt development (honors)

2008-2009      Kevin Toeneboehn (’09)

Project title: The role of transverse zones in fold-thrust belt development: a comparative analysis of analog modeling and field data

2009-2011      Shane Gray (’11)

Project title: Evolution of fracture networks in Chickie’s rock: implications for culmination development

2012-2013      Jory Lerback (’13)

Project title: Deformation within the footwall of the Snake Range decollemont

2015-2017      Matthew Kershner (’17)

Project title: What can the exposures of the Juniata culmination in the Piedmont tell us about the formation of the Pennsylvania salient?

2016-2017      Beck Tabor (’17)

Project title: The role of bedrock fracture patterns on surficial deformation

2019-2020      Halle Putera (’20)

Project title: Structural controls on Gorda plate subduction and underlying asthenospheric flow

2020-2021      Brianna Beard (’21)

Project title: Using Compost to Maintain Optimal Temperatures for Biogas Generators

2020-2021      Katherine Garcia (’21)

Project title: Developing a Starter Tablet for Better Biogas Access

S 2021             Evan Michaels (’21)

Project title: Optimizing Biogas generators for Extreme Environments

2021-2022      Sioni Mollel (’22)

Project title: Geology, Geography and Identity: Women and Land Ownership in Tanzania

2025-2026      Sarahana Khadka (’28)

Project title: Sustainable fresh-water access in the Indus River Basin, Pakistan