Teaching and Research
As a member of the UVM faculty for 35 years, I conduct research and teach classes in the areas of stratigraphy and sedimentology. My great interest is in the evolution of the Northern Appalachians, particularly how the rocks of this region record the history of ocean basin opening, closing, and the formation of mountains.
My classes range from the introductory level, "Introduction to Earth System Science" for geology majors and non-scientists alike, as well as the core course for Geology majors and minors, "Earth, Environments and Life Through Time." I also teach "Stratigraphy and Sedimentation" for advanced undergraduates and also frequently co-teach the regional geology summer field class.
I find great satisfaction in working with colleagues in Maine on rocks that record the collision of a volcanic arc with North America more than 350 million years ago, as well as with colleague Keith Klepeis on his research on the origin of the Andes Mountains in Southern Chile. Another passion is facilitating workshops for National Science Foundation-sponsored programs to improve undergraduate geoscience education. In 1993 I was so proud to receive the George V. Kidder award, the university's highest award for excellence in teaching.