I am a low-temperature stable isotope geochemist who studies modern biogeochemical processes and cycles, primarily of phosphorus. I apply knowledge from the modern environment to address unresolved questions concerning major climate perturbations in Earth’s history. My research encompasses the following themes:
- Application of a robust paleothermometer for terrestrial paleoclimate studies
- Phosphorus cycling and coupling with other nutrients and implications on modern environmental processes
- Role of phosphorus and increased temperatures on climate perturbations in the geologic past
Cenomanian-Turonian boundary at the Furlo Gorge in Italy. Geochemical evidence suggests this represents an ocean anoxic event in the Cretaceous ~92 million years ago. A major disruption in the carbon cycle led to widespread anoxia in the world’s oceans, which can be seen today as black, organic-rich shales.