Research

My primary research interests are in the physical and chemical behavior of subsurface fluids, particularly, the role that these fluids play in the formation of mineral and energy resources. Many of the Earth’s geologic features, including its economic mineral and energy resources, are to a large degree products of subsurface fluid flow, heat transport, solute transport, and geochemical reaction. Quantifying the relative contributions of these factors in hydrogeologic processes has been the principal focus of my research.

One of the most powerful tools available for studies of this nature is numerical modeling, which is able to treat the numerous feedbacks and mutual interdependencies that exist among these factors, often providing insights that are not discernible by considering the factors individually. Models are very much dependent on good input data and I am therefore also interested in making measurements on the physical and chemical properties of subsurface fluids and rocks using analytical equipment at the University of Missouri and through collaborations with researchers at other institutions.

Current Research Projects