I am a Materials Scientist working on numerous R&D projects that primarily utilize in-situ SIMS analyses to measure trace element concentration and isotope ratios on a wide range of material, including glass, minerals, metals, and other complex samples that require high-spatial resolution. My work supports numerous projects within NSD at PNNL. I leverage my diverse background in mass spectrometry, vacuum systems, complex sample preparation, and analytical chemistry to test new or improved methods to improve the precision and accuracy on the measurements were attempting. Contact me if your question is: can we analyze this? Or, can we measure this better?

I worked as a isotope hydrogeologist within the Surface Geosciences department at GNS Science. I was responsible for designing and building a new gas purification system and mass quadrupole spectrometer (QMS) for analyzing noble gases in groundwater. The new instrument became fully operational in late 2023, and is located in the Water Dating Lab at the GNS Avalon campus. The instruments will continue to be used for determining groundwater recharge temperatures, excess air concentration, and quantifying excess N2 - the byproduct of denitrification. This data is being used to better understand the extent of nitrate attenuation occurring naturally in New Zealand aquifers. These results will complement dating and tracer capabilities already in use in the Water Dating Lab, and allow a better understanding of groundwater flow dynamics. In additions to the QMS, I worked hard to secure funding for the purchase of a multicollector noble gas mass spectrometer, which was delivered in mid-2024 for high-precision isotope ratio measurement and is currently fully operational.

Research focused on silicic volcanic systems in TVZ, part of the MBIE-funded ECLIPSE project. As part of this work, I will continue to development and use of microanalytical techniques to study mineral compositions and applying geo/thermochronologic tools to quantify rates and timescales of magmatic processes. I also help advise a PhD student who is working on an ECLIPSE-related geochronology thesis project.

I worked to support the Marsden Fund and the Rutherford Foundation postdoctoral scholarships. This included identifying New Zealand and international expert panellists, revising and publishing the guidelines, finding qualified referees to review proposals, and supporting the panel and/or council members. I worked to develop and improve procedures for various funding applications. I also assessed annual reports for grant holders. I actively worked to promote various funds, including liaising with researchers to publish news releases (web) about active projects.

I worked as a research scientist and SIMS laboratory manager at Stanford University. I have extensive technical experience operating and maintaining analytical laboratory equipment, including mass spectrometers and SEM instruments, as well as trouble-shooting and repairing instrument problems. I have technical knowledge and experience in sampling materials, preventing contamination, analyzing samples for chemical analysis, and using specialized equipment such as polishers for sample preparation and in-situ analyses. I work alongside clients to develop new methods to meet research objectives, help interpret the results, and present the findings in abstracts and/or peer-reviewed journal publications. I provide training of laboratory equipment, manage health and safety standards of equipment and users, and undertake preventative maintenance. I have a business focus, with sales and accounting experience. As lab manager, I was responsible for income of ~$100,000 USD/year and managed an average budget of $230,000 USD.I am inquisitive and strive to solve problem and improve laboratory protocols to optimize efficiency and instrument performance. I also have the experience to understand analytical challenges, propose workable solutions to problems, effectively communicate across a wide range of disciplines, and liaise between industry and research fields. People seek my help solving science-related problems because I have extensive experience, creative thinking skills, and find innovative solutions that are outside the box. I have a drive and passion to succeed, commitment to achieve effective results, and a teamwork-oriented work ethic. I can manage groups and have experience managing projects, including in leadership roles. I develop and maintain positive working relationships. In the last 5 years, I’ve collaborated with more than 65 researchers and 115 students, and I work hard to maintain positive relationships with colleagues, clients, and vendors.

I worked in the noble gas thermochronology laboratory as a graduate student, where I designed and built an ultra-high vacuum extraction and purification system for Argon and Helium isotopic analysis. I helped commission a Nu Noblesse instrument mass spectrometer and develop new standards and techniques for multicollection 40Ar/39Ar dating (results published in Chemical Geology, 2011). I assisted students, postdocs, and visiting scientists conduct experiments in the laboratory and providing training in the use of laboratory. I have environmental health and safety training for hazardous and radioactive material. Working in the laboratory, I gained experience with method development, identifying malfunctioning components and trouble-shooting problems, designing, repairing, and replacing specialized instrument parts. This included designing parts in 3D-cad software and fabricating components in the Stanford Machine Shop.I have 8+ years’ experience planning and executing multi-day and multi-week fieldwork excursions for geologic and geophysical investigations. I was a teaching assistant for three geology field mapping classes where I taught undergraduates, co-led field excursions, and organized food and meals, equipment, teaching material, and vehicles for these courses. I am experienced with working and camping in remote wilderness locations, as well as driving 4WD vehicles off road in adverse conditions. I’m comfortable making well-reasoned decisions under rapidly changing conditions and remaining calm and professional under pressure and high-tension situations. I have the ability to solve problems working in a team or independently, with minimum supervision. I performed detailed geologic mapping, collected samples for chemical analysis, and led teams of scientists and students in the field and laboratory. These skills and experience allow me to succeed solving geologic problems in the field and laboratory and communicating results to a wide range of audiences.

I started working at the U.S. Geological Survey as a summer intern. Based on my proactive, result-focused work ethic, writing and communication skills, and fieldwork experience I was hired full-time as a contract geologist for the Earthquake Hazards Team. I gave public lectures on earthquake preparedness in the community and compiled geophysical data for crustal-scale geophysical models. I also worked on three USGS seismic reflection surveys of San Andreas fault in northern California, the Chesapeake meteor impact crater, and crustal structure in northwest Nevada. Finally, after the 2004 earthquake and tsunami near Banda Aceh, I help write a USAID proposal for an Indian Ocean tsunami warning system that was funded in 2005. The proposal focused on understanding the cultural needs and geologic risk factors to build in-country infrastructure and capacity to reducing vulnerability of future events. It also included a larger effort to educate the public and work with local researchers and government officials to provide technical guidance and leadership support.

I worked as an alpine ski, boot, and binding technician and sales associate with Salomon ski company, which was a subsidiary of Adidas. In the summers, I worked in the Salomon Demo shop at Mt. Hood, Oregon, where I rented and sold amateur and professional ski racers new equipment. I have a commitment to quality assurance, ensuring that all equipment was tested to meet safety standards. I provided training to employees, sold new and used equipment and provided service and support to customers. I have technical certification for mounting and installing ski binding stone-grinding, sharpening, and waxing skis, and adjusting ski boots. In the winters, I worked part-time in the distribution facility where I managed inventory, provided support to product representatives, and oversaw shipping and receiving for the facility. I was successful in this position because I was always dependable, was willing to work long-hours to ensure the job was finished, learned and mastered tasks quickly, and continuously sought more responsibility.