Ph.D. Cornell University (2001)
B.A. Carleton College (1996)

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I use physics to make complex problems more tractable.* I enjoy working with interdisciplinary teams in order to learn which problems are the most useful to solve. I am particularly interested in research problems related to improving environmental sustainability, including their science and social justice aspects.

Those who work in my research group gain valuable generalist training in materials physics that can be applied to unique fundamental and applied research challenges. Much of our recent work relates to solid forms of carbon-rich materials, including carbonate minerals.

Get a taste of what we do: watch this promotional video.

Experiential learning and science advocacy are at the core of my research and teaching.

* Do you know the spherical cow joke in physics? Read it here. This joke pokes fun at physicists, but it's one that we share around within the discipline to highlight what makes our approach to problems somewhat unique: by simplifying a problem, we can make it more tractable and easier to get a useful answer. What's important here is that we know that we're not getting all of the details right -- we focus instead on getting a result that helps us move forward in our thinking, our planning, and our understanding. This at the core of how I do my research. It's a powerful approach!

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