Geology and Geophysics

About Me

I received my B.S. in Geomechanics from the University of Rochester. My interest in the study of the earth began with a geological field expedition under Dr. John Tarduno in my sophomore year. I found there to be a strong appeal to applying math and physics to understand processes that are constantly at work all around us, but go largely unnoticed by the casual observer.

My interests within geophysics are mostly on seismology (the study of earthquakes), and I hope to get more actively involved in projects that aim to better understand earthquakes, the risks they pose to population centers, and how to mitigate and prepare for damage in regions that are at high risk, and inform the public accordingly. I am also interested in planetary science, the study of the geologic processes that shaped (and occasionally, are still shaping) the other planets and moons in our solar system.

Why Geophysics?

Much as Richard Feynman pondered how the scientific understanding of a flower at the atomic level only adds to its beauty, one of my favorite things about the study of the Earth is the added wonder I get when looking at a scenic vista. Indeed, geoscience is not only a valuable tool for understanding and preparing for disasters, or for locating mineral wealth, it presents a beauty all its own.

An outcropping of the Pg-T Boundary, which marks the transition from the Cretaceous period to the Paleogene period. The layer is most famous for containing elevated levels of iridium ore, remnants of a meteorite that struck the earth 65 Million years ago, causing the mass extinction of many species, including the dinosaurs. The Pg-T Boundary can be found in various locations across the world. This particular outcrop is located near Raton, New Mexico.

Background

I have geophysics experience in the lab and in the field - focused on data acquisition, processing, and programming. This experience comes mostly from research opportunities I have been involved in at the University of Rochester, Los Alamos National Labratory/SAGE, and GNS Science. During my final year at University of Rochester, I completed my senior thesis with honors on utilizing the double difference algorithm for earthquake relocation in Afar, Ethiopia.

My feild experience thus far includes a geological expedition across multiple geologically active regions in California, a magnetotelluric survey in New Zealand (with GNS Science) aimed at determing the effects of geothermal fluid re-injection, and a variety of different types of geophysical surveys completed in the region surrounding Santa Fe, NM as part of the Los Alamos National Lab SAGE program.

Field work near Taupo, New Zealand. Orienting a magnetic coil with the aid of a sighting-compass and an alignment device. The coils must be level to the ground and oriented to one of the cardinal directions.

I have experience in writing papers, articles, and talks, which I have presented in classes, internships, and at adademic conferences. I have presented to the general public at Bryce Canyon National Park, and though my own independent science communication projects.

My current career goals are to learn more about earthquake seismology, and apply this knowledge to understand the risks to seismically active regions, such as the SF Bay area. I am also interested in how increased monitoring and public education in at-risk developing countries can help mitigate damage from Earthquakes. The recent 7.8 Mw earthquake in Nepal has made it clear the extreme damage that can be caused when there is a lack of enforced rigorous building codes, and the benefits that a few seconds warning from a seismometer network could provide. I also aim to educate people about geoscience, both so they can protect themselfs, and so they can appreciate its beauty.

Highlighted Work Experience

See my resume for complete work history

Geometrics, Inc - San Jose, CA

Seismic Streamer Support Engineer
  • Focused on the improvement, testing, and support of the Geometrics P-Cable 3D Marine Seismic system
  • Tested equipment to ensure full functionality prior to shipping, and to diagnose problems with returned products - utilizing proprietary software, command-line, and electronics testing instruments.
  • Designed parts and modifications for equipment to improve reliability, safety, or ease-of-use.
  • Wrote, Edited, and revised manuals and technical documentation.
  • Designed and ran experiments and to determine suitability of streamer components.

University of Rochester - Rochester, NY

Undergraduate Research Assistant: July 2011 - May 2013
  • Senior Thesis: "Earthquake Relocation in Afar, Ethiopia using Waveform Cross-Correlation and the Double Difference Algorithm"
  • Received research with honors distinction upon graduation.
  • Developed procedure to streamline process of earthquake relocation using HypoDD, HypoInverse, Unix shell scripts, MATLAB and GISMO suite.
  • Conducted data processing and analysis of rifting and dynamic triggering in the East African Rift.

GNS Science - Lower Hutt, New Zealand

Research Assistant: April - June 2012
  • Determined that magnetotelluric surveys could likely accurately resolve changes in subsurface conductive layers caused by geothermal fluid re-injection.
  • Conducted a magnetotelluric survey of the Wairakei Geothermal Fields near Taupo, New Zealand, which is to be used for fluid re-injection for the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station.
  • Completed data processing and preliminary interpretation, implementing the magnetotelluric phase tensor to represent subsurface conductivity, using MATLAB and WinGLink to process data.
  • Presented findings at AGU 2012.

Los Alamos National Lab/SAGE- Santa Fe, NM

Undergraduate Researcher: June - July 2011
  • Learned methods of geophysical surveys and associated theory through lectures and field work. Gathered data using various methods: Ground Penetrating Radar, Seismic Refraction and Reflection, Electromagnetic Resistivity, Audio-Magnetotellurics, Magnetotellurics, Transient Electromagnetics, and Gravity.
  • Field work was accomplished in Caja Del Rio geothermal Area, The Santa Domingo Fault, and the Pueblo San Marcos.
  • Completed data processing to determine the geothermal potential of Caja del Rio Plateau gathered through MT data.
  • Wrote report and gave presentation on 2D Inversions of magnetotelluric data from survey.
  • Presented findings at AGU 2012.