The laser extraction system at the University of Wisconsin allows us to analyze oxygen isotope ratios of refractory minerals such as zircon, titanite, and garnet that are difficult to analyze conventionally. The ability to date zircon with U-Pb isotopes allows us to relate oxygen isotope systematics with dated geologic events.

I am currently studying granitic rocks of the Idaho batholith, the Great Basin in Utah and Nevada, and Proterozoic granitic rocks in the St. Francois mountains of Missouri. I am focusing on the interaction of granitic intrusions with country rocks and externally derived fluids. 

I am starting to diversify my research interests by analyzing the oxygen isotope geochemistry of basalt dikes at Cathedral Cliffs, Wyoming.These data will help to interpret the magmatic source, emplacement direction, and regional