• Hometown: Bonners Ferry, Idaho
• Faculty mentor/advisor: Dr. Emily Finzel, Associate Professor
• What is your degree program and expected graduate date? PhD, Geology, Spring 2023
• Please describe your research: I look at the transition in rivers from processes related solely to rivers to processes related to tides and eventually the coast. We are trying to understand where the transition occurs in modern rivers and construct a model that can be applied to ancient rivers in the rock record to be predictive.
• In simple terms, why does this research matter? This model will help understand were in an ancient environment a certain rock formed. This can be used by companies in oil and gas to be more predictive about the potential locations of stored petroleum.
• How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? I began participating in research about 2 months after arriving in Iowa.
• How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa? It has allowed me to refine my critical thinking and develop new technical skillsets associated with my chosen field.
• What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? Either work in academia or work in the oil and gas industry.

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