I am currently the lab manager for Dr. Jess Tierney's Organic Geochemistry and Paleoclimate Laboratory in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona. My responsibilities here include running and maintaining a variety of analytical instruments used to study the biochemical composition of geologic and modern samples. By focusing on ancient organic compounds found in sediement cores, we can reconstruct climate far into geologic history. I am especially interested in an ongoing study of meteorological controls on leafwax development in native Sonoran Desert plants.
In April, 2018, I defended my masters thesis in the School of Geography and Development with specific interests in ecophysiology and biogeochemical cycling. I originally came to Tucson with an interest in working with Dr. Greg Barron-Gafford, and it was with the resources and assistance of his fantastic lab group that I was able to explore my thesis project.
Before moving to Arizona, I worked with the Global Change Research Group, led by Dr. Walter Oechel and Dr. Donatella Zona. As the research technician for the group, I was responsible for maintaining seven Ameriflux sites in Alaska and California, as well as preparing and disseminating data to funding agencies (DOE, NASA-JPL, NSF).