We study how and why chemical sediments form and lithify, with the goal of better understanding how chemical sedimentary rocks (e.g., carbonates, chert, granular iron formations) record chemical, physical, and biological paleoenvironmental conditions. Our research encompasses lab experiments, modeling, petrography, in situ geochemistry, and fieldwork, spanning modern environments to Precambrian time.
We're interested in welcoming new graduate student(s) (in the Fall 2020 admissions cycle) and postdoc(s)! Please check out this new information page for prospective students and then contact Lizzy to discuss project ideas and funding opportunities. Potential directions include exploring (1) ooid formation and (2) interactions of cyanobacteria with carbonate sediments through experiments and modern fieldwork and exploring (3) modes of carbonate precipitation and (4) transitions in the silica cycle in late Proterozoic through early Paleozoic strata.