I joined the faculty in the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at Caltech in August, 2003, and am currently affiliated with the geobiology, geochemistry, and environmental science options at Caltech. My group’s research can be described generally as isotopic biogeochemistry. We study the sources, fates, and reactions of organic materials in both modern and ancient environments, with a particular emphasis on using stable isotopes as chemical tracers. Current research projects include: i) studies of physical and biochemical fractionations of hydrogen isotopes (D/H ratio) in lipids; ii) the D/H ratios of lipids in marine particulate organic matter and sediments; iii) hydrogen isotopes as a proxy for environmental aridity; iv) methods for compound-specific sulfur isotope measurement; v) the occurrence and function of 2-methylhopanoids in anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria; vi) biomarker and isotopic evidence for environmental conditions during Neoproterozoic glacial events (the so-called 'Snowball Earth').

My research group currently consists of 2 postdocs, 3 PhD students, a half-time technician, and a high-school intern to keep us feeling young. Although the lab is fairly full, we can always find more room for good students and postdocs. Drop me an email if you are interested.

I currently teach three courses: Organic Geochemistry (Ge 143) and Isotopic Biogeochemistry Seminar (Ge 145) in alternating fall terms, and Global Biogeochemical Cycles (ESE 148c) every spring. This spring (2008) I am teaching Global Biogeochemical Cycles. I will be teaching at the Agouron Institute's Geobiology Training Course again this summer. The course is offered by the University of Southern California.

I am currently serving on two faculty search committees at Caltech, one in Geobiology and one in Environmental Biology or Chemistry. Please contact me if you have any interest in either position, or follow the links to the online application forms.