Research
My research follows my interests and those of my
students: Understanding the fundamental physics and
chemistry of crystal plasticity and the high
temperature processes that accompany and assist
inelastic deformation of rocks. Direct observations
of naturally deformed rocks and of present-day
plate motions and their driving forces continue to
improve our comprehension of the strains and
stresses that are achieved in the Earth. However,
most of my research makes use of a revolutionary
approach in Earth sciences: the experimental
replication of Earth processes within the lab and
quantitative measurement of mineral and rock
properties. High pressure, high temperature
deformation apparatus apply conditions found deep
within the Earth and relationships between
stresses, strains, and strain rates are determined
that can be applied and tested in the field.
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Teaching
I enjoy teaching at the undergraduate and
graduate levels; teaching is an opportunity to
share my excitement for geology and geophysics with
students. In introductory courses, we revisit
broad-ranging topics addressed by James Hutton,
Alfred Wegener, Arthur Holmes, J. Tuzo Wilson, and
by Hans Cloos in his "Conversation with the Earth."
In advanced courses, we focus on specific topics of
rock mechanics, such as rheological constitutive
laws, atomistic mechanisms of deformation, and
chemical weakening of silicates. At this level, we
discuss paradigms and new, emerging ideas that may
lead to graduate research.
The university offers remarkable opportunities.
Teaching youthful minds leads to new research ideas
and innovative research leads to up-to-date
education. Curiosity-driven research often leads to
unforeseen technological applications, just as
application-driven research leads to unforeseen
curiosity.
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