Alex Simms

I am a sedimentologist with a broad interest in siliciclastic systems.  Most of my work has focused on Quaternary coastal systems and the processes that control their stratigraphic architecture and the environmental history recorded in their deposits.  My fieldwork has included everything from multibeam imaging of the Antarctic seafloor to measuring section within the Permian outcrops of Western Oklahoma.  However, despite these distractions, I usually return to coring estuaries along coastlines. 

Claire Divola - Ph.D. Student

I study the sedimentary record of marshes within Tomales Bay, a submerged section of the San Andreas Fault Zone, to determine if a record of past earthquakes has been preserved. This research will help us better understand the extent of past ruptures along this fault and the frequency at which they occur. ​

Emily Huffman - Ph.D. Student

I investigate the interactions between ice sheets, sea level, and coastal morphology in deglaciated regions. My current research uses numerical modeling and satellite imagery to explore the underlying processes of beach ridge morphology in areas of post-glacial uplift.

Trap Puckette - PhD Student

I use coastal landforms and sediment records to reconstruct past sea-level change. My current research focuses on postglacial relative sea-level change in Northwest Scotland through analysis of sediment cores and raised shorelines. These reconstructions help refine models of glacial isostatic adjustment and improve our understanding of past ice-sheet dynamics.

Lauren Mumby - PhD Student

I study how postglacial processes shaped the sedimentary record on the NW Scottish Shelf. By constraining the timing and development of stratigraphic changes in sediment cores, I examine the preservation of sedimentary features to interpret environmental change and the provenance of ice-rafted debris (IRD) deposited following deglaciation.

Alumni

Graduate Students
Elisa Medri (Ph.D. 2025) - Instructor, Florida Gulf Coast University,
Ryan Owings (M.S. 2023) - EKI Environment and Water
​Cameron Gernant (M.S. 2021) - Vandenburg Airforce Base
Brittany Theilen (M.S. 2020) - GeoSyntec, Long Beach
Julie Zurbuchen (Ph.D. 2019) - BP, Houston
​Dillon Osleger (M.S. 2018) - Nature Conservancy
Laura Reynolds (Ph.D. 2018) - Assistant Professor, Worcester State University
Zach Nelson (M.S. 2018) - Geologist, California Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, Orcutt, CA
Elisabeth Steel (Ph.D. 2017) - Assistant Professor, Queens University (Canada)
Michael Bentz (M.S. 2016) - Geologist, Apache
Jonathan Rice (M.S. 2015) - Geologist, DCOR LLC
Vanessa Brillo (M.S. 2015) - Administrative Assistant, Harvey Mudd College, LA, CA
Daniel Livsey (Ph.D. 2015) - Research Geologist, Department of Interior, Stillwater, OK
Lauren Simkins (Ph.D. 2014) - Associate Professor, University of Virginia, VA
Eva Von Thury (M.S. 2013) - Geologist, Padre Associates, Santa Barbara, CA
Hanna Arauza (M.S. 2013) - Geologist, Terracon Consultants, Inc., Denver, CO

Undergraduate Students
Sabrina Hinz (B.S. 2025) - MS Candidate, University of Illinois Urbana Champagne
​Matt Rens (B.S. 2024) - MS Candidate, Oregon State University
Jim Schatz (B.S. 2020)
​Margarita McInnis (B.S. 2018) - Geologist, FUGRO
Ian Baxter (B.S. 2017) - PhD Candidate, UCSB Geography
Elisa Metri (B.S. 2017) - Instructor, Florida Gulf Coast
Michael Troung (B.S. 2016)
Justin Steinmann (B.S. 2015) - MS Candidate, Oklahoma State University
Angela Roman (B.S. 2014) - Geologist, URS, Santa Maria
Julian Stahl (B.S. 2013) - Geologist, ConocoPhillips (MS - Montana State University)

At Oklahoma State University
Katie Ross (M.S. 2011) - SM Energy, Tulsa, OK
Zach Poland (M.S. 2011) - Laredo Petroleum, Tulsa, OK
Taylor Troiani (M.S. 2009) - Mack Energy, Oklahoma City, OK
Tyler Treece (M.S. 2009) - EOG, Oklahoma City, OK
Annie Drewry (M.S. 2008) - Darkhorse Resources, Tulsa, OK
Peter Kouremenous (M.S. 2008) - University of Alberta, Augustana
Niranjan Aryal (M.S. 2007) - Schlumberger, Houston, TX
Michael Aufil (M.S. 2007) - Newfield, Tulsa, OK