Research
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Can low-volume magmatism generate large-scale eruptions?
My research for my Master's thesis will investigate the Jurassic-aged Standard and King Creek plutons in the Sierra Nevada batholith, CA. I will utilize petrography, whole-rock and trace element geochemistry, and chemical modeling to determine if these plutons represent cumulates, and if so, the percent, volume, and composition of melt lost to potential eruptions.
Photomicrograph of the Standard pluton in cross-polarized light
The timing and magma source of the Sonora dike swarm and Standard pluton, Sonora, California, and comparison to other Jurassic dike swarms in the Sierra Nevada Batholith.
This research project/senior thesis utilized field sample and data collection, XRF whole-rock and trace element geochemistry, petrography, U-Pb zircon geochronology, and Sr and Nd isotopic analysis to examine the timing and source of the Late Jurassic Sonora dike swarm in the Sierra Nevada mountains, CA.
Sonora dike in the Standard pluton exhibiting mingling textures, Sonora, CA
Mount Lowe Intrusion Geologic Mapping
Directed studies project focused on field mapping of the Mount Lowe intrusion in the San Gabriel Mountains, CA. This work culminated in the production of a ca. 3 km2 geologic map and the compilation and interpretation of the field data to interpret the geologic history of the mapping area.
Field mapping in the Mount Lowe Intrusion, San Gabriel Mountains, CA
Petrology of composite mantle xenoliths from Dish Hill, Mojave Desert, California: Implications for mantle heterogeneity and metasomatism
This research project utilized XRF whole-rock and trace element geochemistry and petrography to examine mantle xenoliths from the Dish Hill cinder cone in the Mojave Desert, CA to address questions about lithospheric mantle composition and metasomatism.
Composite mantle xenolith from the Dish Hill cinder cone, Mojave Desert, CA