Graduate Student, PhD Geology Program, University of Wyoming

August 2010 – Present
Currently working with Dr. Bryan Shuman to develop low temperature geochemical analyses of lake basin sediments, as part of evaluating climate change in the western United States throughout the
Holocene. Proficient with gamma ray attenuation measurements, radiocarbon analyses, loss on ignition
 analysis, and wet sieving.
Collected multiple sediment cores using a 70mm piston corer from several lakes in north-central
Wyoming, as part of a project to evaluate changes in Wyoming lake-levels throughout the Holocene.
Participated in using a novel application of ground penetrating radar (GPR) to image lake basin
 sediments prior to coring.
GRE General Test scores (October 2009): 780 quantitative, 510 verbal, 4 analytical writing.
Undergraduate Student, Geology Major, University of Colorado at Boulder August 2007-May 2009

Cumulative GPA: 4.0
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Over 50 hours of coursework completed. 35 hours within Earth Sciences including Aqueous and
Environmental Geochemistry (graduate), Intro to Mineralogy, Intro to Petrology, and Geology I and II.

Worked with Dr Rebecca Flowers during spring semester 2008 as part of the Geology Undergraduate
Mentorship Program. Used proper laboratory techniques to select Apatite grains for U/Th analysis, using a digital stereo zoom microscope.
Undergraduate Student, Chemical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder August 1988-
December 1992

Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering awarded December 1992. Cumulative GPA: 3.0.

Over 30 hours of Chemistry coursework completed, including Physical Chemistry, Thermodynamics, and Fluid Transport Phenomena.
Student Research Assistant, U.S. Geological Survey, Boulder Colorado

May 2009 – August 2010
Worked as an assistant for Dr. Alex Blum and Dr. Dennis Eberl in the Water Resources Division lab at
USGS. Proficient with powder x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, and ignition analysis of rock, soil, and sediment samples.

Used a novel sample preparation technique for generating accurate quantitative mineralogy from powder
XRD patterns for clay rich samples, without using clay separation techniques prior to analysis.

Performed particle sizing analysis of coarse clay grains using a multimode atomic force microscope.

Performed comparative analyses of elemental and mineralogical results in order to identify the chemistry of minerals in related samples.
Student Research Assistant, University of Colorado at Boulder May 2008 – May 2009

Worked as a research assistant for Dr. Joseph Ryan in examining stream bed exchange of colloid associated metals at an acid mine drainage site, located in northwestern Boulder County. Collected field samples and analyzed for pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, DOC, and cation content. Graphed and presented results using MS Excel for analysis.

Participated in three tracer tests to accurately model flow and loading rates at the field site. Responsible for implementing solute transport modeling software (OTIS) to model flow, dispersion, and hyporheic exchange area for the field site.

Completed two semesters of independent study with Dr. Ryan. Designed a packed column experimental apparatus for studying the effects of solute transport processes on ferrihydrite colloids through a porous media (quartz sand). Generated several successful breakthrough curves of ferrihydrite colloids with a conservative tracer, using the packed column apparatus.

Proficient with turbidity and atomic adsorption spectroscopy measurement techniques.

Engineer Specialist , United States Army, Fort Hood Texas

August 2003 – March 2007
Participated in the construction of a 240 ft Bailey bridge during a 4 month assignment to the
Texas/Mexico border. Troubleshot and developed novel solutions to construction engineering problems facilitating an on time completion.

Supervised and directed work for selected personnel. Prepared convoy clearance paperwork which allowed a 150 person organization to maintain 24 hour operations.

Scheduled training and operation requirements for over 150 soldiers. Created weekly mission status reports used by senior level executives to effect policy changes.
Senior Applications Engineer, Schlage Lock Company, Colorado Springs Colorado April 1998 -
September 2002

Addressed all technical issues with using Schlage products on large commercial/municipal building projects. Designed custom modifications of products to suit unique applications. Provided complete
 product support from initial contract negotiations to final product installation.
Resolved product quality and application issues at two of Schlage’s largest clients, each involving over
$500,000 worth of product, successfully assuring future contracts for Schlage totaling over $100,000.

Developed and implemented technical product training presentations, providing product and troubleshooting training for newly hired technical and customer service department personnel.
Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering/Business, University of Colorado at Boulder, December 1992
Certificate, Project Management Process, Schlage Lock Company, February 2000
Certificate, Digital Training Management System, United States Army, July 2006
Completion of Department of Geology Undergraduate Mentorship Program, May 2008