The application and development of noble gas geochemical tracer and isotope (dating) techniques to problems in natural systems as a means to furthering our understanding of the Earth’s geological system and processes. Currently my main research interest is in the application of existing U-Th/He geo- and thermochronology methods to geologic problems and further experimental investigation of details of these methods that have so far been ignored, glossed over or not sufficiently addressed. Additionally I am interested in expanding the U-Th/He methods to different minerals (for example dating of mafic minerals in previously hard to date rocks to get at eruption ages and possibly timing of magma chamber processes) that would expand the utility of the method into new areas of geology.Secondary research interests include investigation of noble gas isotope and abundance systematics in magmatic, geothermal, hydrologic, and hydrocarbon systems. Of particular importance are the characterization of: (a) the specific sources of noble gases in these systems, (b) the transport mechanisms of noble gases in these systems, and (c) the time scales on which processes in these different systems take place.Specialties:* Single crystal apatite and zircon (U-Th)/He geo- and thermochronology* In-situ (U-Th)/He geo- and thermochronology with a UV Laser Microprobe and LA-ICP-MS* Application of noble gas geochemistry and in particular 3He/4He ratios to geothermal resource exploration and evaluation.* Analysis of noble gas abundances and isotopes in a variety of geological materials.* Laboratory method development for noble gas geochemistry, including the design and construction of noble gas extraction systems.