Search all Fields:
Last Name
Vitor Abreu
Vitor.Abreu@rice.edu
Naod Araya
nya1@rice.edu
Farah Ashraf
farah.ashraf@rice.edu
Graduated May 2016
Hans Ave Lallemant

Emeritus Professor


ave@rice.edu

Keywords:

structural geology


Research Summary:

Hans is a structural geologist interested in how the crust deforms during mountain building and along transform margins.

Kendra Baldwin
klb9@rice.edu
Albert W. Bally

Emeritus Professor


albert.w.bally@gmail.com
Google Scholar Link

Keywords:

geology, exploration geophysics


Research Summary:

Bert, former head of research at Shell and past chair of the department, is a geologist who brings together geophysics and field relations to investigate the origin and evolution of mountain belts and sedimentary basins

Eric A. Barefoot
Room Number: KWGL 230B
(336) 416-3323
eric.barefoot@rice.edu
Fall 2016
Kyle Bartsch
kcb7@rice.edu
Tanyel Baykut
Room Number: KWGL 210
7135604080
tanyel@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link
Resume
Fall 2018 Research Summary:

My Master’s research will focus on reef upper slope morphologies in Belize and in particular focusing on identify drowned Terraces, Notches, and Overhangs and other morphological features, among them, drowned Barrier Reefs and Spurs and Groves. My initial research, starting in Spring 2019 semester and 2019 summer, will consist of processing the MBES data sets and then display the overall bathymetry of Lighthouse Reef upper slopes, develop some interpretation in terms of sea level fluctuations in the Late Quaternary mostly in the water depth range of a few m down to 150 m, and perhaps in the Plio-Early Quaternary for the depth range as deep as 400m.

Joyeeta Bhattacharya
Room Number: KWGL 212
(832) 705-5499
jb79@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link
CV

Keywords:

Sedimentology, Stable Isotope Geochemistry, Carbon Cycle, Marine Geology, Paleoclimatology and Paleoceanography


Research Summary:

I am currently working on deep marine sediments to understand what impact climate changes (especially through Eocene) had on ocean floor sedimentation. My other interest is to tie up these deep ocean sedimentary dynamics with changes in deposition pattern in shallow marine setting in times of extreme warmth, like PETM and early Eocene Hyperthermals.

Kimberly Birjue
kab20@rice.edu
David G. Blank
Room Number: KWGL 232B
dgb3@rice.edu
Fall 2015
Austin Blaser
austin.blaser@gmail.com
Graduated August 2016
Keywords:

volcanism, Hawaii, two-phase flow, bubbles, solubility, numerical modeling, deformation


Research Summary:

My thesis focused on how magma is transported from depth to the surface at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. A great natural laboratory for this is Hawaii, where a long-lived eruption is ongoing (1983-present).

Jackson S. Borchardt
jsborchardt2@gmail.com
Lin Boynton

Research Assistant


lsb3@rice.edu
Research Summary:

Using synthetic biology to develop a microbial biosensor for use in soil systems.

Rachel Buissereth
rtb3@rice.edu
Wenrong Cao
caowenrong@gmail.com
website

Keywords:

Magmatism-tectonism-climate interaction, evolutions of continents


Research Summary:

I am interested in the structures and evolutions of continental arcs and how the geological processes (e.g. magmatism, tectonism, erosion) contribute to the formation of continents and their impacts on global climate.

Brandee Carlson
Room Number: KWGL 230B
brandee.carlson@rice.edu
Simon Chan
sac8@rice.edu
Rui Chang
rc64@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Jianxiong Chen
jianxong.chen@rice.edu
Min Chen

Research Scientist


Room Number: 318
(713) 348-2515
min.chen@rice.edu
website

Keywords:

Geophysics, full waveform tomography, ambient noise, earthquakes, tectonics, lithospheric structure, mantle melt


Research Summary:

Seismic tomography of the crust and the upper mantle. Interpretations of seismic images regarding the formation of tectonic units such as plateaus, basins, and orogens.

Benxin Chi
Room Number: 170E Dell Butcher Hall
Benxin.Chi@rice.edu
Proteek Chowdhury
Room Number: KWGL 213
(832) 705-2385
pc27@rice.edu
website

Keywords:

Experimental Petrology, Geochemistry, Igneous processes, sulfur in subduction zone


Research Summary:

I am interested in Earth's deep sulfur cycle, the fate of sulfur at subduction zones and deep mantle processes that constrain the stability and mobility of sulfur and it's phases in our planet.

Xu Chu
Room Number: 325
xu.chu@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link
Summer 2016
Keywords:

Petrology, Metamorphism, Thermodyanmics, Decarbonation


Research Summary:

I have a long-standing research interest in developing petrological thermodynamics and kinetics. I combine the modeling tools with field geology and geochemistry, to understand the histories recorded in natural rocks and the tectonic evolution of orogenic belts.

Trevor Cole
Room Number: KWGL 230A
Trevor.L.Cole@rice.edu
Summer 2017
Cailey B. Condit
413-687-1320
cailey.condit@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link

Keywords:

structural geology, metamorphic petrology, deformation mechanisms, strain localization, seismic anisotropy, geochronology, orogenic architecture, subduction zone geology


Keith Crawford
kac14@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Kelsey Crocker
k.crocker@alumni.rice.edu
Joshua Crozier
josh.crozier@rice.edu
Graduated May 2016
Anthony D'Souza
apd9@rice.edu
Fall 2018
Steve Danbom
steved@rice.edu
Aitash Deepak
ad52@rice.edu
Jonathan R. Delph
jrdelph@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link

Keywords:

Seismology, Tectonics


Research Summary:

I focus on creating high-resolution seismic images of the crust and upper mantle with passive data to learn about the temporal evolution of the continental lithosphere in both actively deforming and stable (cratonic) regions.

Adeene Denton

Former President of Rice Undergraduate Geosciences Society (RUGS)
Current Co-Vice President of RUGS


Adeene.denton@rice.edu
Research Summary:

Field and structural geology + numerical modeling applied to terrestrial and planetary science questions

Gerald Dickens

Professor


jerry@rice.edu

Keywords:

paleooceanography, marine geology, stratigraphy


Research Summary:

Jerry is a chemist and oceanographer who combines these interests to look at a range of topics, mostly in sediments and sedimentary rocks.

Megan Duncan
megan.s.duncan@rice.edu
William C. Eisenberg

77005


3147036077
weisenberg055@gmail.com
Resume

Keywords:

Eisenberg, William, Will, Texas, TCU, Texas Christian University, fun, Broman, William C. Eisenberg, Bill, Billy, Houston, Fort Worth


Research Summary:

Understanding uniaxial compressive strength changes in different lithologies is important to understand the changes in behavior of rocks under confinement in the subsurface. While laboratory testing often assesses the strength of a particular lithology, there are few studies such as that by Deere and Miller (1966) that compare a large variety of different lithologies and their overall strength. Here, we present a data compilation of strain at failure under uniaxial compression for various lithologies in order to show how widely strain data can vary in a given lithology and between different lithologies. Metadata for the study were obtained through searching existing literature. We show that the lithology strongly controls the amount of strain that a material can accumulate prior to failure and that rocks fall within predictable ranges of strain prior to failing under uniaxial compression.

Martina C. Faciane
mcf5@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Emily Falksen
Room Number: KWGL 213
emily.falksen@rice.edu
Fall 2018
Ziqian Fan
zf8@rice.edu
Resume
Fall 2015 - Graduated May 2017
Keywords:

Energy Industry, Oil & Gas, Finance, Energy Consulting


Research Summary:

Highly motivated students with direct analytical and results-driven experience in industry and academy. Seeking professional development opportunities to leverage and to improve my skills in energy consulting and industry analysis.

William C. Farrell
(732) 865-2388
wcf2@rice.edu
website
CV

Keywords:

Particle-based modeling, numerical modeling, tectonics, geomorphology, surface processes, landscape evolution


Research Summary:

My doctoral research focuses on developing a particle-based numerical model of the coupled tectonic and geomorphologic processes along the Hikurangi margin on the Northern Island of New Zealand.

Erik Fathy
egf2@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Meron Fessahaie

undergraduate


meron.s.fesshaie@rice.edu
Graduated May 2015
Elizabeth Finley
elizabeth.a.finley@rice.edu
Graduated May 2016
Maria Furtney
Room Number: 211
mf38@rice.edu
website

Keywords:

volcanology, geophysics


Research Summary:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-furtney-62a49263

Janie Garcia
Janie.M.Garcia@rice.edu
Fall 2015
Gary G. Gray
281-793-8203
ggg2@rice.edu
Instructor
Damanveer S. Grewal
Room Number: KWGL 222
dsg10@rice.edu

Keywords:

Experimental Petrology, Geochemistry, Planetary Sciences


Anna Ruth Halberstadt
Room Number: 230A
(919) 810-6946
awh3@rice.edu

Keywords:

Antarctica, sedimentology, glacial dynamics, geomorphology


Meagan Hale
mnh6@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Jiayuan Han
jiayuan.han@rice.edu
James Harris
jimmy.harris@rice.edu
Mejs Hasan

Clever Planets Education and Public Outreach Administrator


Room Number: KWGL 303
(713) 348-2356
mejs.hasan@rice.edu
website
Clinton R. Heider

Linux /Unix Systems Administrator


Room Number: 309 Keith Wiess Geology Lab
(713) 348-5639
heider@rice.edu
Bonnie L L. Hoffman

Senior Technology Support Specialist


bonnieho@rice.edu
Jun Hu
Room Number: KWGL 305
(713) 348-2515
Jun.Hu@rice.edu
Google Scholar Link
Hehe Jiang
hehe.jiang@rice.edu
website

Keywords:

geochemistry; U-Pb geochronology; pseudotachylite; arc unroofing; agate;


Mariaisabel Johnston
mj36@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Thomas J. Jones

MSci (Hons) PhD


Room Number: 309
(713) 348 5639
thomas.jones@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link

Keywords:

physical volcanology, kimberlites, rheology, field volcanology


Brian Jordan
brian.jordan@rice.edu
Jake Jordan
Room Number: KWGL 232
jacob.jordan@yale.edu
website
James Karroum
James.G.Karroum@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Eric Kiser
edk2@rice.edu
website
Jennifer Kroeger
jek4@rice.edu
Ethan C. Kuehl
eck3@rice.edu
Larisa LaMere
(832) 941-2181
lml5@rice.edu
Allison Lawman
Room Number: KWGL 305
(713) 348-5169
Allison.Lawman@rice.edu
Cin-Ty Lee
cintylee@gmail.com
Yuan Li
yuan.li@rice.edu
Google Scholar Link

Keywords:

Geochemistry of Volatiles C-N-S-H & Chalcophile-Siderophile Elements; Planetary Magma Oceans; Geofluids; Ore Deposits


Shuning Li

Post-Doctoral Research Associate


Room Number: 318
Shuning.Li@rice.edu
Boda Li
bl21@rice.edu

Keywords:

Clumped isotopes of O2
Ocean science
Primary production
O2/Ar


Research Summary:

Project1:
Kinetic isotope effects for O2 air-water gas transfer and implications for estimating marine gross oxygen productivity and clumped isotope signature during gas transfer.
Measured the first time triple oxygen kinetic fractionation factors and kinetic fractionation signals for clumped O2 like 36O2 and 35O2. We tried to apply the factors to calibrate the kinetic effects happened on the surface ocean in order to better estimate the GOP (Gross oxygen production) of the surface ocean.
Project2: The potential impact of bubble injection of air to the estimate of net oxygen production (NOP) in the surface ocean

Jingxuan Liu
(832)421-2611
Jingxuan.Liu@rice.edu
Graduated May 2016
Boda Liu
bl48@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link

Keywords:

geochemistry, geodynamics, inverse method, high-order numerical simulation


Research Summary:

Boda uses numerical models to study melt-related processes. Areas of interests include mid-ocean ridges, silicic volcanoes, and lunar magma ocean. Boda prefers simple intuitive models that reconcile multidisciplinary observations. The research goal is to understand the role of magmatism in the evolution of Earth system and other planetary bodies.

Chuqi Liu
cl108@rice.edu
Spring 2019
Tamunoisoala LongJohn
tamunoisoala.longjohn@rice.edu
Resume

Keywords:

discrete element model, fractures, microstructural evolution


Research Summary:

My research focus is on numerical simulations of biaxial experiments using a discrete element model. I hope to understand the microstructural evolution in rocks from fracture initiation to failure and beyond.

Hongbo Ma

Postdoctoral Research Associate


sediment@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link

Keywords:

Sediment Transport, Geomorphology, Two-phase flow, Stochastic Modeling, Environmental Fluid Mechanics


Lexi Malouta
alexandra.malouta@rice.edu
website
Graduated
Keywords:

serpentinite, igneous and metamorphic petrology, geochemistry, arcs


Iliana McCloud
inm1@rice.edu
Joseph McGlone
jmcglone@rice.edu
Jason Mendez
jam19@rice.edu
Rachael Metruck
Rachael.K.Metruck@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Clint M. Miller

Postdoctoral Research Scientist


clint.m.miller@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link
CV
Resume

Keywords:

Oceanography, Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry, Arctic, Environmental


Research Summary:

Hello! My name is Clint Miller. I am a geochemist at Rice University. My research focuses on understanding the biogeochemistry of shallow organic-rich ocean sediments. These sediments undergo complex alteration prior to deep burial. Specific locations of study include Arctic East Siberian continental shelf/slope, offshore Peru, and Sea of Japan.

Rebecca Minzoni
rlt1@rice.edu
Andrew J. Moodie
Room Number: KWGL 230B
andrew.moodie@rice.edu
website

Keywords:

sediment transport, geomorphology, stratigraphy, bedforms


Madison Morris
Madison.M.Morris@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Cassandra Mosley
csm3@rice.edu
Started Fall 2015
Maryam Nasizadeh
713-377-2821
mn29@rice.edu
website
Resume

Keywords:

Geologist, Geoscientist, Carbonates, Log Analysis, Petrophysics, Geophysics, Mapping, Perta, ArcGIS, PowerLog, Risk Management, Reservoir Modeling


Matthew Neal
mn33@rice.edu
Ben Nguyen

Systems Administrator - Unix/Linux


ben.nguyen@rice.edu
Jared Nirenberg
jen2@rice.edu
Chris Ike. Odezulu
christopher.I.odezulu@rice.edu
Google Scholar Link

Keywords:

Coastal Geology, Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Paleotempestology.


Audrey Odwuor
aao3@rice.edu
Graduated May 2017
Jinglin Ou Yang
jo23@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Emily Paine
emily.c.paine@rice.edu
Graduated May 2016
Immaculada Palomeras Torres
Immaculada.Palomeras.Torres@rice.edu
Left Rice in Summer 2015 for Spain
Xiaojiao Pang
xiajiao.pang@rice.edu
Valerie Payre
Room Number: KWGL 303
713-348-2356
valerie.payre@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link
CV

Keywords:

Planetary Sciences, Mars, Magmatic Processes, Sedimentary Processes, Geochemistry, Experimental Petrology


Nicole Pham
np31@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Mani Pirouzbakht
760-201-6399
mp38@rice.edu
Graduated May 2016
Will Pollard
wmp4@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Lindsay O. Prothro
lindsay.prothro@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link
CV

Keywords:

Glacial geology, marine geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy


Research Summary:

My research is motivated by the need for an understanding of complex ice-ocean interactions that influence ice sheet stability. Using detailed sedimentology coupled with high-resolution bathymetric data, I define paleo-environments that are critical in determining timing, rates, style, and processes involved in past ice sheet retreat. My work is centered on Antarctic glacial margins, primarily in the Ross Sea and Marguerite Bay.

Hongrui Qiu
Room Number: KWGL 307
hongruiq@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link
CV
2019
Keywords:

Fault zone imaging, surface waves, seismic interferometry, 4-D imaging


Research Summary:

My research mainly focuses on Multi-scale imaging and monitoring of the upper crust and Fault Zones. I’m particularly interested in integrating high resolution imaging of fault zone structures, based on fault zone head and trapped waves along with P and S body waves, with larger scale ambient noise tomography for the surrounding crust. Additional research interests include monitoring seismic velocity temporal change, and inverse problem.

Mallory Ramos
mr58@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Michael Reed
mr56@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Fatma Rekik
fr10@rice.edu
Withdrew
Julia Ribeiro
juliaribeiro@rice.edu
website
End Date: 1 March 2017 Research Summary:

My research combines radiogenic isotope and trace element geochemistry, volatile and sulfur isotope analyses in mineral-hosted melt inclusions, petrology, field work (i.e., marine expeditions) and simple geodynamic equations to investigate the geochemical cycles of the deep Earth. In particular, I examine the deep cycles of sulfur and water to investigate whether or not volatiles are lost during subduction or fluxed back from the mantle to the surface through magmatism and degassing. My research also focusses on the petrogenesis of subduction zone magmas, the composition of the fluids released during subduction processes and mantle heterogeneities.

Elli Ronay
err2@rice.edu
Research Summary:

Geochemical characterization of ash beds in the Cretaceous Eagle Ford Formation with interest in dissolved ash serving as a biological nutrient.

Sriparna Saha
713-298-1542
sriparna.saha@rice.edu
website
CV

Keywords:

Experimental petrology ; Igneous processes ; Continental lithospheric mantle; Mid Lithospheric Discontinuity; Cratons ; Amphibole ; Phlogopite


Research Summary:

Metasomatic processes in the continental lithospheric mantle and their role in physical and chemical properties beneath continents.

Dale S. Sawyer

Emeritus Professor


Room Number: KWG 118
dale@rice.edu
Google Scholar Link

Keywords:

marine geophysics, tectonophysics


Research Summary:

Dale is a tectonophysicist that brings together active source seismology, geodynamic modeling, and remote-sensing to investigate the structure and evolution of the crust and sedimentary basins.

Cemile Nur Schuba
cnk2@rice.edu
website

Keywords:

Seismic data interpretation, attribute analysis, structural geology, seismic reflection data processing, hyper-extension


Research Summary:

I currently focus on the Galicia-Newfoundland conjugate margins and how the extension factor (β) is related to narrow and wide rifting modes, and oceanic core complexes.

Angela N. Seligman

Stable Isotope Lab Manager


(713) 348-4054
ans11@rice.edu
Google Scholar Link

Keywords:

isotope geochemistry, mass spectrometry, volcanology, paleoclimatology, analytical technique and method development, aqueous geochemistry


Alana G. Semple
ags7@rice.edu
Google Scholar Link
Resume

Keywords:

geophysics, modeling


Research Summary:

Geophysics, Mantle dynamics

Eytan Sharton-Bierig
es45@rice.edu
Jia Shi
Room Number: DH 3133
jia.shi.work@gmail.com
website

Keywords:

Seismology, Geophysics


Research Summary:

I am exploiting and developing works in mathematics (inverse theory, optimization, numerical linear algebra) and computer science (massively parallel algorithms, computational geometry) for geophysical applications from regional to planetary scales.

Stephanie Shipp
shippst@rice.edu
David Shis
David.L.Shis@rice.edu
Ben P. Skrla
(979)248-1439
ben.skrla@rice.edu
Fall 2016 - Graduated May 2017
Keywords:

geology, geoscience, energy, oil, gas, business, graduate, masters


Zachary Steele
zds2@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Jackson J. Stiles
jjs10@rice.edu
Christina Stoner
cas24@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Loredana Suciu
lgs4@rice.edu

Keywords:

pyrogenic organic carbon, atmospheric chemistry, biosphere-atmosphere-climate interactions


Rahul Sudhakar
281-785-5862
rs72@rice.edu
website

Keywords:

Geologist, Petrophysicist, Geomechanics, Pore Pressure Prediction, Well Log Analyst, Drilling Parameter Interpretation, Seismic Data Interpretation, Code Development, Texas A&M University


John Sumner
John.R.Sumner@rice.edu
Yen Sun
ys2@rice.edu
Chenguang Sun

Postdoctoral Research Associate


Room Number: KWGL 222
(713) 348-5098
csun@rice.edu
Google Scholar Link
Travis Swanson
713-348-4675
travis.swanson@gmail.com
website
Travis Swanson
ts42@rice.edu
Google Scholar Link
William Symes

Noah Harding Professor (Computational and Applied Mathematics), Professor (Earth Science)


symes@rice.edu
website

Keywords:

Inverse problems, computational geophysics, software engineering


Research Summary:

computational methods for simulation and inverse problems in geophysics, mathematical and numerical analysis of partial differential equations governing wave propagation, software for simulation and optimization.

David A. Valerio
Room Number: KWGL 320
(713) 478-9395
valerio@rice.edu
website
Spring 2019
Keywords:

Stable isotope geochemistry, chemical oceanography, biogeochemistry, geomicrobiology.


Research Summary:

I am interested in developing novel clumped isotope tracers to help understand biogeochemical cycling in the past and the present. I aim to apply stable isotope techniques to better characterize microbial processes in the surface and deep ocean.

Anna C. van Brummen
abrummen@princeton.edu
Research Summary:

I have done two independent projects. For the first I examined stromatolite growth and distribution to determine paleoclimate of the area and for the second I imaged the depth of the Moho beneath Princeton.

Harsh Biren Vora

PhD student


hv6@rice.edu
CV

Keywords:

petrophysics, compaction trends, pore structure evolution, Lattice-Boltzmann, fracture propogation


Research Summary:

My research focus lies in understanding petrophysical responses of shale and pore-structure evolution upon fluid injection and expansion.

Chengzu Wang
chengzu.wang@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link
Resume

Keywords:

Plate Tectonics, Geodynamics, Tectonophysics.


Research Summary:

Plate velocities relative to global hotspot reference frame;
Hotspot motion from surface observation of hotspot track trends;
Pattern of seismic anisotropy and relationship with absolute plate motion.

Xiaoyu Wang
xw33@rice.edu

Keywords:

Structural Geology; Reservoir Characterization; Well logging; Discrete Element Method; Geomechanics


Research Summary:

Numerical Simulations of Forearc Deformation and Stress Switching

Sam Wang
hw22@rice.edu
Robert Wegner
rcw3@rice.edu
Yuzhen Yan
yuzhen.yan@rice.edu
website
Google Scholar Link

Keywords:

Ice core; paleoclimate; stable isotope geochemistry


Research Summary:

I am interested in understanding Earth's past climate on glacial-interglacial timescale by measuring the isotopic composition of gases (particularly oxygen) trapped in ice cores.

Chenhao Yang
chenhao.yang@rice.edu
Jiaqi Yang
jy57@rice.edu
Fall 2017
Gang Yao
gy14@rice.edu
Wenshan Yu
Wenshan.Yu@rice.edu
Fall 2015 - Graduated May 2017
Admin Z
riceearthscience1@gmail.com
Beineng Zhang

Senior


bei@rice.edu

Keywords:

geophysics, seismology, crust and lithosphere


Tuo Zhang
tuo.zhang@rice.edu
Resume
Research Summary:

1. Investigated the Cocos-Nazca-Pacific Plate circuit non-closure from latest bathymetry dataset. Identified the new Malpelo and Coiba plate from Nazca plate separated by diffuse plate boundary.

2. Conducted structural modeling of North America and South America plate, and Qaidam Basin, by fluid mechanics methods. Applied thin viscous sheet models to diffuse plate boundaries of both oceanic crust and continental crust, estimated the strain rate and investigated deformation in this region.

3. Investigated oblique spreading of mid-ocean ridges by comparing the strikes with directions determined from best-fitting angular velocity. Built geodynamic models to analyze plume effects and the stress and strain field of the oceanic lithosphere.

Julin Zhang
Room Number: KWGL 319
jz57@rice.edu
Fall
Zuyue Zhang
Zuyue.Zhang@rice.edu
Fall 2015 - Graduated May 2017
Zhenchen Zou
zhenchen.zou@rice.edu
Graduated May 2016
Munirah Zulkifli
mz31@rice.edu
Fall 2018