Geosciences METRO Center
Mara Brady
Sedimentary Geology & Taphonomy Laboratory
Our lab studies ancient sedimentary environments. Based on field-collected data, we aim to better understand how sea level, tectonics, and sedimentation rates influence the preservation of the sedimentary and fossil records. Current research focuses on Devonian (~375 million year old) tropical marine limestones and invertebrate fossils. In the future, we look forward to investigating modern depositional environments (and their shallow sedimentary and fossil records) to establish historical baselines that can inform current restoration and conservation efforts.
E-mail: mebrady@csufresno.edu
Faculty Web Page
Robert Dundas
Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory
Our group primarily studies fossils from the Quaternary period (approximately 2.6 million years ago to the present). These studies provide information on the biodiversity and ecology of the past, and provide key information to enable the ages of rock strata to be dated.
E-mail: rdundas@csufresno.edu
Christopher Pluhar
Paleomagnetism Laboratory
Research in our laboratory focuses on using the magnetic signal recorded in rocks to learn about their age and tectonic history. Students in this research group conduct comprehensive studies including field- and laboratory-based components.
E-mail: cpluhar@csufresno.edu
Faculty Web Page
Keith Putirka
Mineralogy and Igneous Petrology Laboratory
Our research group is interested in understanding the circulation of the mantle below the earth's crust. We study the chemical content and structure of rocks and minerals from areas of both active and ancient volcanic activity, which provides insight on the factors controlling magma transport and eruption.
E-mail: kputirka@csufresno.edu
Faculty Web Page
Peter Van de Water
Paleoenvironment Laboratory
Our research is focused on the impact of past, present and future climate change on vegetation. We are currently measuring the isotopic composition of modern and fossil plants to reconstruct past environmental changes. We are also investigating the spread of pollen from genetically modified crop plants, and their ecological impact on native plants.
E-mail: pvandewater@csufresno.edu
Faculty Web Page
John Wakabayashi
Tectonics Laboratory
Our research studies current and past plate boundaries. Areas of interest include the Sierra Nevada and the California Coast Ranges.
E-mail: jwakabayashi@csufresno.edu
Faculty Web Page
Zhi Wang
Hydrology Laboratory
Our group studies effects of human activity on soil and water quality. Research topics include measurement and modeling of water resources in the Sierra Nevada, water and nutrient transport in surface, subsurface and groundwater zones, as well as physical and biological remediation processes.
E-mail: zwang@csufresno.edu
Research Group Web Page
Beth Weinman
Dr. Weinman studies the Feather River Basin, National Forest landscape; geochemical soil evolution and propagating tectonic signals. Her areas of research include measuring C/N and C respiration on different hill slopes, and monitoring snow pack effects and changes.
E-mail: bweinman@csufresno.edu