Assistant Professor

• Jul 2021 - Present

Project Manager

• Jan 2021 - Jun 2021

Managing investigation and remediation of contaminated sites. Current focus on underground tanks in Missouri's state trust fund system. Managing investigation and remediation of contaminated sites. Current focus on underground tanks in Missouri's state trust fund system.

Principal Consultant

• Aug 2020 - Jan 2021

Areas of expertise: * Data science, machine learning, and optimization * Solid state materials structure and behavior * Data mining, cleaning, assessment, and identification of data gaps Areas of expertise: * Data science, machine learning, and optimization * Solid state materials structure and behavior * Data mining, cleaning, assessment, and identification of data gaps

Principal Consultant

• Sep 2011 - Aug 2020

Areas of expertise: * Soil and groundwater assessment and remediation * Slope failure * Mineral deposits * Communication with fellow specialists, stakeholders, and the general public Areas of expertise: * Soil and groundwater assessment and remediation * Slope failure * Mineral deposits * Communication with fellow specialists, stakeholders, and the general public

Data Scientist

• Mar 2020 - Jun 2020

Completed an immersive 12-week data science bootcamp and completed independent project work from ideation to presentation. Projects included linear regression modeling with polynomial features and regularization, classification algorithms and machine learning, clustering and natural language processing, neural networks including CNNs and RNNs, SQL and NoSQL databases, and use of AWS and Google cloud computing resources. Completed an immersive 12-week data science bootcamp and completed independent project work from ideation to presentation. Projects included linear regression modeling with polynomial features and regularization, classification algorithms and machine learning, clustering and natural language processing, neural networks including CNNs and RNNs, SQL and NoSQL databases, and use of AWS and Google cloud computing resources.

Teaching Postdoc

• Aug 2015 - May 2017

Published analyses of halogen content of Martian hydrothermal systems and directed student research. Received Outstanding Postdoctoral Associate award for 2015-2016. I taught two semesters of mineralogy and four semesters of introductory geology. I administered the department X-ray diffractometer, restoring it to working order, training users, and overseeing student projects. I was partially trained on the use of the electron microprobe and conducted a study of posterosional volcanic rocks from Kaua'i. Show less

Visiting Professor

• Jan 2014 - May 2015

I continued my study of the cumulate Martian meteorites and published or cowrote papers on chlorine-rich amphibole and scapolite in the nakhlite meteorites. I also taught mineralogy, igneous & metamorphic petrology, planetary science, and historical geology. I continued to contribute to grant proposals. I served on a panel to provide technical evaluations for grant proposals. I administered the department thin sectioning equipment and the polarizing optical microscope lab. I continued my study of the cumulate Martian meteorites and published or cowrote papers on chlorine-rich amphibole and scapolite in the nakhlite meteorites. I also taught mineralogy, igneous & metamorphic petrology, planetary science, and historical geology. I continued to contribute to grant proposals. I served on a panel to provide technical evaluations for grant proposals. I administered the department thin sectioning equipment and the polarizing optical microscope lab.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

• Jan 2012 - Dec 2013

I developed a model from existing data for relating the chlorine content of amphibole to the water activity and oxygen fugacity of its formation environment. I used this model to interpret the formation environment of Martian meteorites (the chassignites). I presented this work at conferences and published peer-reviewed articles. I contributed to grant applications as a key member of the proposed research team. I was trained and assisted students with piston-cylinder synthesis apparatus and gas mixing furnaces. I taught mineralogy and ore deposit geology. Show less

Postdoctoral Research Associate

• Sep 2009 - Aug 2011

I conducted studies of the in situ and time-dependent behavior of montmorillonite clay at deep saline aquifer conditions relevant to carbon sequestration. To accomplish this, I used, helped develop, and maintained novel X-ray diffraction sample chambers and their associated standard diffractometers. I presented the results at international conferences and published them in peer-reviewed articles. I also oversaw undergraduate participation in the research and helped mentor a student in a parallel project on methane uptake into clay minerals. Show less

Staff Geologist 2

• Jun 2006 - Sep 2009

I provided expert commentary and evaluation of reports submitted to the state of Indiana on delineation and remediation of sites with soil and groundwater contamination. I assisted in field work and provided critical components of the scoring document for the Lusher Avenue Superfund Site in Elkhart, IN. I was the geologist assigned to three state-led Superfund sites in Indiana, including providing backup project management, oversight, and assistance at a community information session for the Continental Steel Superfund Site. In this role I had to teach myself basic GIS functionality, hydrology, and soil science. I stood out for my ability and propensity to dig out the entire file of information on old and complex sites and come to new and helpful insights on current situations and possibilities for delineation and cleanup. Show less

Adjunct Faculty

• Jan 2009 - May 2009

Taught Physical Science. Taught Physical Science.