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| I am a paleontologist, specializing in
conodonts (basal vertebrates), currently working at Texas Tech
University. Here at Texas Tech I am a PhD student working on my
dissertation in Pennsylvanian (Missourian Stage) conodonts. The main
focus of my work is sorting out the amazingly complex taxonomic issues
surrounding these conodonts. In addition I also have been working to
model conodont element function using microscopic wear patters on the
elements. Of course, my interests do not stop there. One of my true
passions is teaching in the Geosciences. My desire to be a good teacher
has landed me in the TEACH program at Texas Tech, and led to my
participation in a variety of outreach programs here at TTU.
Lubbock, Texas is a great place, but nothing can replace my home. I was born and raised in upstate New York. I spent most of my life in the little town of Cobleskill, NY (southwest of Albany, NY). As a teenager I worked at the second largest natural tourist attraction in the state, Howe Caverns. At Howe Caverns I was a tour guide, boatman, caretaker, admissions employee, and finally motel manager. After leaving Howe Caverns, I worked at the Best Western Inn at Cooperstown, NY where I was front office assistant and housekeeping inspector. All the while I had been going to college as the State University of New York at Geneseo. I started out as a misguided biochemistry major, later switching to Geology when I found that it was something I enjoyed (even when I did poorly - structure). After receiving my BA in Geology at Geneseo, I received my MS in Geosciences at Texas Tech. I anticipate receiving my PhD on August 9th, 2008. |
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| The following links may provide you with further
insights into me. (You must have acrobat reader 6.0 or higher to view
these .pdf files.)
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Pahoehoe basalt flows from the Valley of Fire Flow in New Mexico. That would be a brightly colored me for scale. |
