Information for prospective graduate students
Briefly and broadly, some of my ongoing projects include synchrotron and experimental techniques for the development of the U isotope paleoredox proxy, evaluating diagenesis on carbonate geochemistry, characterizing the silicate weathering feedback during the Phanerozoic, and investigating redox controls on carbon isotope excursions (and perturbations) and on nutrient cycling. Examples of published research are on the Research page of my website. Please check these out!
If you would like to discuss opportunities with me, I strongly encourage you to email me to introduce yourself, including a CV or a resume that summarizes your academic background and noting your interest in either a M.S. or a Ph.D. degree. I would like to learn more about you and why you reached out to me, so please share details about your research interests so I can let you know if there are potential projects that match. It's very important to me that our research interests and goals align (to make sure I'd be a good advisor for you) so the more you can share, the better! Some advance notice that it may take some time for me to reply to your email, and it is not an indication of your potential as an applicant, but simply because I receive a lot of email and I must prioritize responsibilities including communicating with current group members, seeking funding to support new group members, and teaching and service activities.
For more information on our graduate research program at Penn State Geosciences and the application process and materials, please take a look at the following pages:
https://www.geosc.psu.edu/graduate
https://www.geosc.psu.edu/graduate/prospective-students/application-graduate-program-geosciences-penn-state
I am also a graduate faculty member in the Penn State Biogeochemistry and Astrobiology PhD dual major programs:
https://www.biogeochemistry.psu.edu/
https://astrobiology.psu.edu/
The deadline to apply to start a graduate program in the fall semester is December 15 of the preceding year. Please note that applications will be still be considered after December 15, although the selection process and considerations for support generally begin at the end of calendar year. The GRE is not required. The Penn State application does not require a personal statement but rather five short (~250 words or one substantial paragraph) responses to prompts that ask you to describe your (1) problem-solving abilities, (2) resilience and adaptability, (3) motivation and future goals, (4) respect for diversity and inclusion, and (5) describe additional relevant experiences and self-awareness. Our application follows these prompts because they can provide a holistic picture of who you are as a person and a scientist and can permit you to highlight aspects of your record or background that don't easily fit within the traditional prompt. The application also includes several forms and a course summary to provide information on your academic preparation, transcripts, and reference letters. Decisions about your application will be made in the spring through an admissions committee.
There are several opportunities for graduate fellowships that I encourage you to consider, if you are eligible, to give you more freedom in your research. These include:
Last, I realize that deciding to apply to graduate school is a big deal! You may not know anyone who has done it before or feel like you don't know what to do. This website about the graduate application process for geoscience programs is a useful place to start.
If you would like to discuss opportunities with me, I strongly encourage you to email me to introduce yourself, including a CV or a resume that summarizes your academic background and noting your interest in either a M.S. or a Ph.D. degree. I would like to learn more about you and why you reached out to me, so please share details about your research interests so I can let you know if there are potential projects that match. It's very important to me that our research interests and goals align (to make sure I'd be a good advisor for you) so the more you can share, the better! Some advance notice that it may take some time for me to reply to your email, and it is not an indication of your potential as an applicant, but simply because I receive a lot of email and I must prioritize responsibilities including communicating with current group members, seeking funding to support new group members, and teaching and service activities.
For more information on our graduate research program at Penn State Geosciences and the application process and materials, please take a look at the following pages:
https://www.geosc.psu.edu/graduate
https://www.geosc.psu.edu/graduate/prospective-students/application-graduate-program-geosciences-penn-state
I am also a graduate faculty member in the Penn State Biogeochemistry and Astrobiology PhD dual major programs:
https://www.biogeochemistry.psu.edu/
https://astrobiology.psu.edu/
The deadline to apply to start a graduate program in the fall semester is December 15 of the preceding year. Please note that applications will be still be considered after December 15, although the selection process and considerations for support generally begin at the end of calendar year. The GRE is not required. The Penn State application does not require a personal statement but rather five short (~250 words or one substantial paragraph) responses to prompts that ask you to describe your (1) problem-solving abilities, (2) resilience and adaptability, (3) motivation and future goals, (4) respect for diversity and inclusion, and (5) describe additional relevant experiences and self-awareness. Our application follows these prompts because they can provide a holistic picture of who you are as a person and a scientist and can permit you to highlight aspects of your record or background that don't easily fit within the traditional prompt. The application also includes several forms and a course summary to provide information on your academic preparation, transcripts, and reference letters. Decisions about your application will be made in the spring through an admissions committee.
There are several opportunities for graduate fellowships that I encourage you to consider, if you are eligible, to give you more freedom in your research. These include:
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), due in the fall (~October) before our application deadline
- NDSEG Fellowship, due in the fall (~November) before our application deadline
- Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology, due in the winter (~Feb), that can be submitted as a team between a faculty member and a graduate student
- Ford Foundation Fellowship (which seeks to increase the diversity of college and university faculties), due in the late fall (~December)
Last, I realize that deciding to apply to graduate school is a big deal! You may not know anyone who has done it before or feel like you don't know what to do. This website about the graduate application process for geoscience programs is a useful place to start.
Information for prospective postdoc researchers
I do not have funded postdoc positions at this time. However, if you are interested in applying for funding for a postdoc project with me at Penn State, please reach out with a summary of your past research as well as what you're hoping to do next, and we can discuss potential avenues for funding.
Competitive postdoctoral fellowships include:
Competitive postdoctoral fellowships include:
- NSF postdoctoral fellowships (EAR division): Due date varies, but currently early Nov.
- Agouron Geobiology postdoctoral fellowships: Due March 15
- Penn State Presidential Postdoctoral Program: Due Dec. 1
Information for prospective undergraduate student researchers
Undergraduate students at Penn State are encouraged to email me about potential research projects. Opportunities to get research experience are invaluable (especially if you are thinking about your senior thesis or pondering graduate school) so please reach out early. My lab members would be interested in mentoring you! There may be opportunities for hourly pay or to receive research credit that count towards graduation.