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Current CHIVES Research Students
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Sabrina Ansari
In Progress: M.S. Geology I have been obsessed with volcanoes ever since I was in elementary school. Growing up in Oklahoma, we didn't have much to explore in this area. Along the way I was able to move to Los Angeles, California and fell in love with geology. I started school at Pasadena City College and transferred to California State University, Long Beach. Throughout my academic career I have always found a way to steer my studies towards volcanology. I am interested in how volcanoes form, how changes in eruption compositions and styles correlate to what is happening under the surface, and anything in between. I am so honored to be a part of the team here at Central and wish I could tell my younger self that dreams do come true. |
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Hailey Finch
In Progress: M.S. Geology I'm from Montana and I completed my BS degree in geology right next door to Yellowstone National Park at Montana State University. I fell in love with geology and research during several summers of field work in Yellowstone and during my own research into its most recent supereruption. Broadly speaking, my research interests are to understand the evolution of volcanic systems using geochemistry and geo/thermochronology. I am delighted to be here in Washington where the volcanoes are young and active to continue pursuing research and to fall in love with geology all over again. |
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James Genero IV
In Progress: B.S. Geology Growing up in southwest Washington, I have always been fascinated with the forces behind volcanic eruptions. At present, my research focuses on understanding the pre-eruptive timescales of the Devils Washbasin basalt, a volcanic vent from the early life of the (now extinct) Goat Rocks Volcanic Complex in the Cascade arc. To do this, I gathered greyscale profiles from zoned clinopyroxene crystals, this can be used as a proxy for iron and magnesium interdiffusion. Then run these modeled profiles through Python to calculate a best time that represents the time of the last magmatic prior to eruption and until eruption. Understanding these pre-eruptive timescales can help us understand not only the magmatic processes of mafic volcanoes in the Cascade arc, but also the magmatic processes during the early stages of a Cascade volcano. Additionally this could serve as a long-term volcanic forecasting tool. Some other geologic interests of mine are in geodetics, structural geology and neotectonics. Outside of classes, I work as a tutor for introductory geology courses and as a Student Manager for Central's dining program. I am also the current President of the CWU Geology Club, Furthermore, I am a representative for CWU student employees in auxiliary enterprises on two different student government boards. Other activities I participate in include tabling for the Geology Department during "open house" style events and a variety of community service events through the Geology Club. In my free time, I enjoy relaxing at home and watching a movie with my cat, Catsby or spending time with my friends playing board games. |
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Yusei O'Leary
In Progress: B.S. Geology My research consists of modeling recharge-to-eruption timescales of the Hogback Mountain basaltic shield complex located within the Goat Rocks volcanic area. By performing grey-scale analysis as proxy for Fe/Mg chemical data on zoned clinopyroxene, I model magma ascent chronometry. The goal of the research is to better understand pre-eruptive timescales within the early Cascade Arc and contribute to eruption forecasting methods. I am a senior at Central Washington University and found my way into the geology program at the tail end of my second year after taking GEOL 101 and since then have taken many geology classes. During this journey, I’ve developed a particular fascination with geochemistry and petrology and have been fortunate enough to have this opportunity to do research as a part of the CHIVES group. In my free time, I am cutting/polishing rocks for Geology Club sales, volunteering at club or school-related events, or doing something with friends! |
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Laura Taylor (Taylor)
In Progress: B.S. Geology I’m a returning student to CWU, having originally graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts in 2019. While spending a summer doing seasonal work in Wyoming, I became fascinated with and fell in love with the dynamic processes of geology and volcanology and am now pursuing a B.S. in Geology. My research this year has focused on analyzing quartz crystals from Lava Creek Tuff from Yellowstone to estimate eruption timescales. When not in school, I also enjoy hiking, knitting, and writing. Recipient of SOURCE Undergraduate Research Award, 2024 |
CHIVES Alumni
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Desiree` Cunningham
M.S. Geology 2024 Personal website Now a Geologist at Kentucky Geological Survey I have always been fascinated by the field of geology, specifically by structural geology and volcanology. I earned my BS in geology from Mississippi State University where I feel in love with tectonic processes through structural geology research. I dove into my MS determined to learn as much as I could about my other obsession, volcanoes. I am currently using a variety of geochemical analytical techniques to determine timescales for magmatic process proceeding eruptions, specifically the 9.8 ka Sulphur Creek eruption at Koma Kulshan (Mt. Baker), WA. When I am not in the field or in the lab, I enjoy hiking, camping, and dancing. When it’s a cloudy day, you can catch me inside with a good book in my hand. Recipient of Distinguished Thesis Award, 2024 |
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Emily Yoder
M.S. Geology 2024 Personal website I am interested in eruption timescales and the processes that drive volcanic eruptions, as well as hazard communication and GIS applications in geology. My current research focuses on estimating and comparing eruption initiation timescales for three relatively recent lava flows from Koma Kulshan (Mt. Baker). I earned my B.S. in Geology and Geography (GIS) from Central Michigan University before moving out to Washington to pursue volcanology. Outside of school, you'll find me running around as an assistant coach with the local high school cross country team, hiking, baking, or unwinding with a good book. |
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Kathryn Josten
B.S. Geology 2023 Now a Staff Geologist at GeoEngineers I am performing grayscale analysis on crystals from the Swift Creek Lava Flow of Koma Kulshan to better understand the accuracy of grayscale methods (as well as eruption triggers/timings for more effective hazard assessments). Encouraged and inspired by my grandfather and his lifelong career in geology, I have had a passionate curiosity for the natural world around me for as long as I can remember. My specific interests are in igneous petrology and teaching. I am beyond excited to be satiating some of those desires here with CHIVES. When I'm not TAing for my department or doing research, you can find me hiking, biking, gardening, or camping in my Eurovan. Josten K. (2023) Using gray scale image analysis to determine the timing of the Swift Creek eruption, Koma Kulshan (Mt. Baker), WA. SOURCE Conference, Central Washington University, WA. Recipient of Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award, Department of Geological Sciences, 2023 |
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Marcus Ashton
B.S. Geology 2023 Now a Stream Technician at Mid Columbia Fisheries I use high temperature furnaces in hopes to recreate melting environments for minerals and mineral compounds. My current research focuses on calibrating the high temperature furnace with a mineral compound with a known melting temperature, that being NaCl. These calibration experiments will help CHIVES students in the future with finding the melting point of other minerals and/or mineral assemblages in volcanic rock. I obtained my Associates of Science – Geology, at Centralia College where my love for the Cascadia Subduction Zone Volcanic Arc truly blossomed. I now call Kittitas Valley my home for scientific and nature exploration. |