My primary research interest lies in the field of seismic imaging (specifically, adjoint tomography), which means I use seismic waves and supercomputers to probe the structure of the Earth (think MRI or CT scans). I am primarily interested in imaging the Earth's crust, and how that relates to seismicity and tectonics of a region.
To perform my research, I develop, maintain, and rely on open source software. I am a big proponent of openly available data and software to make science more transparent, accessible and reproducible.
Modern instrumental seismology was partially born out of a need to monitor for, detect, and discriminate nuclear tests (see: WWSSN). This work continues today under the auspices of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). I conduct research with the Wilson Alaska Technical Center focused on improving monitoring capabilities for CTBT efforts.
I got into science because I love space. Although I strayed from that original passion, my career in seismology has serendipitously allowed me to wander back. I am part of a NASA project that aims to provide synthetic estimates of seismicity, wind noise, and ground motion for potential future Venus missions, which will help constrain instrument and mission design criteria. (Photo credits: NASA)
The dynamics of glacier sliding and fracture provides many parallels to earthquakes. Seismological techniques can be applied in glacial settings to tell us more about their structure, movement, and hydrological systems. I am particularly interested in glacier-based seismic field work in Alaska, and how seismology can improve scientific understanding of our icy neighbors, and their futures.
Science is much more meaningful when it can reach beyond its confines to inspire and improve society. I enjoy finding ways to share science in interesting ways, whether through public science talks, art-science collaborations, or unique outreach projects. (Photo shows a snippet of an art-sci collaboration done with Klara Maisch, dedicated page coming soon).
