Postdoctoral Scholars
Sean Polun, Ph.D.
My research examines the role of faulting at various spatial and temporal scales and how it pertains to earthquake hazards and regional tectonics. This includes studies on fault slip rates, spatial distribution and interactions of faults, and induced slip likelihood from fluid (wastewater and CO2) injection. I make use of high resolution satellite imagery, high resolution topographic models from UAVs, seismic reflection data, and InSAR.
Recent presentations and publications:
Polun, S.G., Bidgoli, T.S., and Gomez, F. (2019). Assessing alluvial fan surface ages along inaccessible portions of the eastern Garlock fault, southeastern California, with aerial LiDAR, SAR, backscatter and multispectral data: Implications for slip rate studies: GSA Abstracts with Program, 51, 5, doi: 10.1130/abs/2019AM-337248.
Polun, S. G., Gomez, F., & Tesfaye, S. (2018). Scaling properties of normal faults in the central Afar, Ethiopia and Djibouti: Implications for strain partitioning during the final stages of continental breakup. Journal of Structural Geology, 115, 178-189: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2018.07.018.
My research examines the role of faulting at various spatial and temporal scales and how it pertains to earthquake hazards and regional tectonics. This includes studies on fault slip rates, spatial distribution and interactions of faults, and induced slip likelihood from fluid (wastewater and CO2) injection. I make use of high resolution satellite imagery, high resolution topographic models from UAVs, seismic reflection data, and InSAR.
Recent presentations and publications:
Polun, S.G., Bidgoli, T.S., and Gomez, F. (2019). Assessing alluvial fan surface ages along inaccessible portions of the eastern Garlock fault, southeastern California, with aerial LiDAR, SAR, backscatter and multispectral data: Implications for slip rate studies: GSA Abstracts with Program, 51, 5, doi: 10.1130/abs/2019AM-337248.
Polun, S. G., Gomez, F., & Tesfaye, S. (2018). Scaling properties of normal faults in the central Afar, Ethiopia and Djibouti: Implications for strain partitioning during the final stages of continental breakup. Journal of Structural Geology, 115, 178-189: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2018.07.018.
Graduate and Undergraduate Students
Kimberly Moore, Ph.D. (expected May 2023)
I developed my love for the natural world while spending my youth immersed in a variety of landscapes (Australia, Arizona, and Texas). My fondness for geology, I must admit, came much later while taking my first geology class. This desire to know more strengthened after completing my B.S. in Geology at Sam Houston State University in 2017. I moved to Columbia, Missouri, directly after to begin work on my master’s thesis research and the University of Missouri. My work involved studying neotectonic deformation of an active thrust fault system to determine recent uplift rates of the Avawatz Mountains in California. I successfully defended my thesis and graduated with my M.S. in Geology in the summer of 2019. I am currently working toward my doctoral degree at the University of Missouri, where my work will focus on tectonics and thermochronology. In my spare time, I enjoy socializing with family and friends, crafting, tabletop gaming, and biking.
I developed my love for the natural world while spending my youth immersed in a variety of landscapes (Australia, Arizona, and Texas). My fondness for geology, I must admit, came much later while taking my first geology class. This desire to know more strengthened after completing my B.S. in Geology at Sam Houston State University in 2017. I moved to Columbia, Missouri, directly after to begin work on my master’s thesis research and the University of Missouri. My work involved studying neotectonic deformation of an active thrust fault system to determine recent uplift rates of the Avawatz Mountains in California. I successfully defended my thesis and graduated with my M.S. in Geology in the summer of 2019. I am currently working toward my doctoral degree at the University of Missouri, where my work will focus on tectonics and thermochronology. In my spare time, I enjoy socializing with family and friends, crafting, tabletop gaming, and biking.
Qian Zhao, Ph.D. (expected May 2022)
Visiting Scholar from China University of Geosciences
I grew up in Hubei, China. I attended the China University of Geosciences and received my B.S in Resource Exploration Engineering in 2015. I’m now working as a doctoral student with an emphasis in Mineral Prospecting. I am interested in seismic stratigraphy and fine dissection of seismic facies. My current research focuses on a comparative analysis of provenance and sedimentary responses to landscape changes, with the aim of characterizing source-to-sink coupling between the mainland of China and offshore basins, including the South China Sea and East China Sea. My interests include most types of sports, swimming at the seaside and exploring interesting mountains.
Visiting Scholar from China University of Geosciences
I grew up in Hubei, China. I attended the China University of Geosciences and received my B.S in Resource Exploration Engineering in 2015. I’m now working as a doctoral student with an emphasis in Mineral Prospecting. I am interested in seismic stratigraphy and fine dissection of seismic facies. My current research focuses on a comparative analysis of provenance and sedimentary responses to landscape changes, with the aim of characterizing source-to-sink coupling between the mainland of China and offshore basins, including the South China Sea and East China Sea. My interests include most types of sports, swimming at the seaside and exploring interesting mountains.
Nathan Reed, M.S. (starting Fall 2020)
Congratulations to Nathan Reed, B.S. in Geosciences from UNLV, who will be joining our Tectonics group in the Fall. Stay tuned for more information about Nathan and his research.
Congratulations to Nathan Reed, B.S. in Geosciences from UNLV, who will be joining our Tectonics group in the Fall. Stay tuned for more information about Nathan and his research.
Kenny Edge, M.S. (expected May 2021)
I am from Houston, Texas and received my B.S. in geology from Sam Houston State University in 2017. Before I attended SHSU, I studied sculpture at the University of Houston. My progression through sculpture had me encounter different mediums to which I had little knowledge. Of those, I found rock most challenging. The questions that came to mind: “What type of rocks existed and where can I find them?”, “What tools can I use?”, and “How would the fractures propagate if I were to use a hammer and chisel?” needed answering. I eventually began taking geology classes in order to have a better understanding of these seemingly esoteric natural substances. From there, the rest is history. I am currently working towards my Masters, where my current research focuses on geochronology and thermochronology. When I’m not looking at rocks scholastically, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, climbing, running, painting, and of course, looking at rocks aesthetically.
I am from Houston, Texas and received my B.S. in geology from Sam Houston State University in 2017. Before I attended SHSU, I studied sculpture at the University of Houston. My progression through sculpture had me encounter different mediums to which I had little knowledge. Of those, I found rock most challenging. The questions that came to mind: “What type of rocks existed and where can I find them?”, “What tools can I use?”, and “How would the fractures propagate if I were to use a hammer and chisel?” needed answering. I eventually began taking geology classes in order to have a better understanding of these seemingly esoteric natural substances. From there, the rest is history. I am currently working towards my Masters, where my current research focuses on geochronology and thermochronology. When I’m not looking at rocks scholastically, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, climbing, running, painting, and of course, looking at rocks aesthetically.
Begum Kurtoglu, M.S. (expected May 2020)
I am originally from Ankara, Turkey, where I received my undergraduate degree from Middle East Technical University in 2018. My interest in geology started in high school where I learned about the fascinating geology of Turkey. As an undergrad, I completed internships at the Turkish National Oil Company as a geologist and at a gold mine, working on the design of a tailings storage facility, as a geological engineer. I spent my last summer during undergrad working as a field assistant with a team of geologists and paleontologists from the University of Kansas, the University of Washington, and the National Museum of Natural History (France) on research in Central Anatolia, Turkey. My M.S. thesis research at Mizzou will focus on tectonics and thermochronology. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, yoga, drawing, painting and spending time with my family.
I am originally from Ankara, Turkey, where I received my undergraduate degree from Middle East Technical University in 2018. My interest in geology started in high school where I learned about the fascinating geology of Turkey. As an undergrad, I completed internships at the Turkish National Oil Company as a geologist and at a gold mine, working on the design of a tailings storage facility, as a geological engineer. I spent my last summer during undergrad working as a field assistant with a team of geologists and paleontologists from the University of Kansas, the University of Washington, and the National Museum of Natural History (France) on research in Central Anatolia, Turkey. My M.S. thesis research at Mizzou will focus on tectonics and thermochronology. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, yoga, drawing, painting and spending time with my family.
Noah Cadwell (expected May 2022)
I grew up in Illinois and Missouri before coming to Mizzou in the Fall of 2019. When I was young, my family was always engaging with the outdoors through things like hiking and camping. I have always had an interest in science and the natural world, and these led me to begin my college career as an environmental science major. After taking the intro geology course that was required for that major in my first semester, I became interested in geology, and after talking to some faculty, I switched my major in the Spring of 2020. I still hope to do something involving the environment as a career, but I am figuring out what that might be. I am still very new to geology, but I am getting acquainted with the department and finding myself becoming more deeply interested in the science as time goes by. When we return to campus, I will be working with Dr. Bidgoli and a graduate student on a fossil dating study, and I am excited to be in the lab and get real research experience! Outside of school, I enjoy being with my friends, playing video games, hiking, and of course, picking up cool rocks.
I grew up in Illinois and Missouri before coming to Mizzou in the Fall of 2019. When I was young, my family was always engaging with the outdoors through things like hiking and camping. I have always had an interest in science and the natural world, and these led me to begin my college career as an environmental science major. After taking the intro geology course that was required for that major in my first semester, I became interested in geology, and after talking to some faculty, I switched my major in the Spring of 2020. I still hope to do something involving the environment as a career, but I am figuring out what that might be. I am still very new to geology, but I am getting acquainted with the department and finding myself becoming more deeply interested in the science as time goes by. When we return to campus, I will be working with Dr. Bidgoli and a graduate student on a fossil dating study, and I am excited to be in the lab and get real research experience! Outside of school, I enjoy being with my friends, playing video games, hiking, and of course, picking up cool rocks.
Pate Richardson, B.S. (expected May 2021)
Bio coming soon. Stay tuned for more information about Nathan and his research.
Bio coming soon. Stay tuned for more information about Nathan and his research.
Daniel Shi, B.S. (expected May 2021)
As a kid, I always loved being outside playing sports, climbing trees, or exploring the wilderness and whatever came with it. In particular, I found an interest in collecting any cool rocks that I would find in places, from creek beds to lake shores and even small Missouri cliffs. This curiosity endured well past my youth, leading me to study geology at Mizzou. Currently, I'm undergoing a senior project with Tandis involving tectonic displacement near the Cottonwood Mountains in California. Afterwards, I plan on applying for graduate school, although I'm not quite sure where yet. When I'm not stressing about school, I enjoy playing video games, going to the gym to work out and play basketball, and of course, collecting cool rocks.
As a kid, I always loved being outside playing sports, climbing trees, or exploring the wilderness and whatever came with it. In particular, I found an interest in collecting any cool rocks that I would find in places, from creek beds to lake shores and even small Missouri cliffs. This curiosity endured well past my youth, leading me to study geology at Mizzou. Currently, I'm undergoing a senior project with Tandis involving tectonic displacement near the Cottonwood Mountains in California. Afterwards, I plan on applying for graduate school, although I'm not quite sure where yet. When I'm not stressing about school, I enjoy playing video games, going to the gym to work out and play basketball, and of course, collecting cool rocks.
Past Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Esmail Ansari, Postdoctoral Scholar (completed June 2019; continuing post-doc at KU)
I completed my B.S. in 2009 in petroleum engineering and M.S. in 2011 in reservoir engineering at Sharif University of Technology. I conducted my Ph.D. research at the Craft and Hawkins Department of Petroleum Engineering, Louisiana State University between 2012 and 2016 with focus on geothermal reservoirs. My doctoral research focused on translating numerical results into simple statistical models. During my previous postdoc at Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department, University of Kansas, I used data science methods in Python to analyze production data from unconventional reservoirs as well as history matching Hugoton gas field. My current postdoc research at Kansas Geological Survey is focused on induced seismicity in the US mid-continent and the effect of pressure diffusion in triggering seismicity. I like data science and coding in Python and R.
I completed my B.S. in 2009 in petroleum engineering and M.S. in 2011 in reservoir engineering at Sharif University of Technology. I conducted my Ph.D. research at the Craft and Hawkins Department of Petroleum Engineering, Louisiana State University between 2012 and 2016 with focus on geothermal reservoirs. My doctoral research focused on translating numerical results into simple statistical models. During my previous postdoc at Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department, University of Kansas, I used data science methods in Python to analyze production data from unconventional reservoirs as well as history matching Hugoton gas field. My current postdoc research at Kansas Geological Survey is focused on induced seismicity in the US mid-continent and the effect of pressure diffusion in triggering seismicity. I like data science and coding in Python and R.
Jeffrey C. Jennings, M.S. (did not complete; now landscaper)
I was born and raised in St. Charles, Illinois, where I received my formative education. I received by B.S. in Geology from Iowa State University. After working with a vaccine company, I moved to Lawrence with my wife who is also a graduate student in Geology. Shortly after moving here, I started working at the Kansas Geological Survey. I’m interested in structural geology and geomorphology; my M.S. project entails using computer modeling and surface analysis to discover and map subsurface faults/lineaments. I will also be using borehole data to understand present-day stresses. With this knowledge we can identify at-risk areas for injection-induced earthquakes.
I was born and raised in St. Charles, Illinois, where I received my formative education. I received by B.S. in Geology from Iowa State University. After working with a vaccine company, I moved to Lawrence with my wife who is also a graduate student in Geology. Shortly after moving here, I started working at the Kansas Geological Survey. I’m interested in structural geology and geomorphology; my M.S. project entails using computer modeling and surface analysis to discover and map subsurface faults/lineaments. I will also be using borehole data to understand present-day stresses. With this knowledge we can identify at-risk areas for injection-induced earthquakes.
Andrew Hollenbach, M.S. (completed May 2019; now doctoral student at KU)
After graduating from KU in 2008, I went on to become a successful Professional Geologist with experience working on environmental, geotechnical, and oil-field related projects. I am working on a M.S. and enjoy researching, characterizing, and modeling Arbuckle Group reservoirs to help understand storage capacity and propensity for induced earthquakes in Kansas and Oklahoma.
After graduating from KU in 2008, I went on to become a successful Professional Geologist with experience working on environmental, geotechnical, and oil-field related projects. I am working on a M.S. and enjoy researching, characterizing, and modeling Arbuckle Group reservoirs to help understand storage capacity and propensity for induced earthquakes in Kansas and Oklahoma.
Kathleen (Katie) Graham, M.S. (completed February 2019; Now at Chesapeake Energy)
Born and raised in Kansas, I explored many tracks, including automotive technology school and enlisting in the U.S. Army, before attending the University of Kansas, where I completed my B.S. in Geology. My Master’s M.S. thesis project is focused on determining the provenance and lag time of Eocene Great Valley forearc basin deposits using detrital U-Pb-He double dating in order to understanding dynamics of exhumation of the Sierra Nevada and western Great Basin. My interests include sports of all types (particularly Jayhawk basketball), cooking, and spending time with family, friends, and my two dogs.
Born and raised in Kansas, I explored many tracks, including automotive technology school and enlisting in the U.S. Army, before attending the University of Kansas, where I completed my B.S. in Geology. My Master’s M.S. thesis project is focused on determining the provenance and lag time of Eocene Great Valley forearc basin deposits using detrital U-Pb-He double dating in order to understanding dynamics of exhumation of the Sierra Nevada and western Great Basin. My interests include sports of all types (particularly Jayhawk basketball), cooking, and spending time with family, friends, and my two dogs.
Wei Wang, Ph.D./Postdoc (completed June 2018/July 2019; Now faculty at China University of Geosciences)
I come from Wuhan, China, where I received my B.S. in Exploration and Engineering of Mineral Resources and M.S. in Mineral Resource Prospecting and Exploration at China University of Geosciences. My researches focus on provenance analysis, through detrital U-Pb geochronology, and diagenesis of deep-buried reservoirs in offshore basins in China. Since October 2015, I have been studying at Kansas Geological Survey as a visiting student, conducting research on the provenance of late Mississippian siliciclastic strata in and around the Anadarko and Arkoma basins via detrital zircon U-Pb-He double dating . I am enjoying my time in Lawrence, and in my free time, I like cooking, hiking and making friends.
I come from Wuhan, China, where I received my B.S. in Exploration and Engineering of Mineral Resources and M.S. in Mineral Resource Prospecting and Exploration at China University of Geosciences. My researches focus on provenance analysis, through detrital U-Pb geochronology, and diagenesis of deep-buried reservoirs in offshore basins in China. Since October 2015, I have been studying at Kansas Geological Survey as a visiting student, conducting research on the provenance of late Mississippian siliciclastic strata in and around the Anadarko and Arkoma basins via detrital zircon U-Pb-He double dating . I am enjoying my time in Lawrence, and in my free time, I like cooking, hiking and making friends.
James P. Tyrrell, M.S. (completed December 2016; Now at Concho Resources)
Born and raised in Connecticut, I attended Washington & Lee University and received a B.S. in Business Administration and Geology before moving to Kansas to begin graduate study in structural geology. My M.S. project is entitled “Conodont (U-Th)/He thermochronology of the Mormon Mountains, Tule Spring Hills, and Beaver Dam Mountains, southeastern Nevada and southwestern Utah.” In my free time I like hanging out with friends and cheering on the Jayhawks. Rock Chalk!
Born and raised in Connecticut, I attended Washington & Lee University and received a B.S. in Business Administration and Geology before moving to Kansas to begin graduate study in structural geology. My M.S. project is entitled “Conodont (U-Th)/He thermochronology of the Mormon Mountains, Tule Spring Hills, and Beaver Dam Mountains, southeastern Nevada and southwestern Utah.” In my free time I like hanging out with friends and cheering on the Jayhawks. Rock Chalk!
Drew Schwab, M.S. (completed December 2016; Now at Chevron)
I am originally from Omaha, Nebraska, where I received my B.S. in Geology at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. I'll be doing my Master's research at KU by evaluating the potential for injection-induced deformation through subsurface mapping, in situ stress field analysis, and analysis of cGPS and InSAR data at Wellington and Anson Bates fields, Sumner County, KS.
I am originally from Omaha, Nebraska, where I received my B.S. in Geology at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. I'll be doing my Master's research at KU by evaluating the potential for injection-induced deformation through subsurface mapping, in situ stress field analysis, and analysis of cGPS and InSAR data at Wellington and Anson Bates fields, Sumner County, KS.
Christa M. Jackson, Energy Research Intern (May 2015-June 2016)
I grew up in California, and received a BS in Geology from Humboldt State University in 2011. Prior to attending graduate school at the University of Kansas, I spent nearly a year at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. conducting research on trace element partitioning in the upper mantle. My Master’s thesis research at KU focused on the geochemical and microbiological effects of CO2 storage in the Arbuckle Group, as part of the South-central Kansas CO2 Project. My work at KGS involves the utilization of data from thousands of Class II wells to investigate the correlation between salt water disposal and seismicity in Kansas. I enjoy long walks on the beach, and watching Star Trek (especially DS9) on Netflix.
I grew up in California, and received a BS in Geology from Humboldt State University in 2011. Prior to attending graduate school at the University of Kansas, I spent nearly a year at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. conducting research on trace element partitioning in the upper mantle. My Master’s thesis research at KU focused on the geochemical and microbiological effects of CO2 storage in the Arbuckle Group, as part of the South-central Kansas CO2 Project. My work at KGS involves the utilization of data from thousands of Class II wells to investigate the correlation between salt water disposal and seismicity in Kansas. I enjoy long walks on the beach, and watching Star Trek (especially DS9) on Netflix.
Minh C. Nguyen, Energy Research Intern (May 2014-May 2015; Now Ph.D. candidate at University of Wyoming)
I completed my M.S. in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Kansas in 2014 and have been working at the Kansas Geological Survey since May 2014. Born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam, I received my BE in Petroleum Geology from Vietnam National University and worked for Schlumberger prior to coming to KU. My work involves gathering publicly-available well data to build a geological model for the Cambro-Ordovician Arbuckle Group as part of an effort to investigate the role of fluid disposal on fault reactivation in southern Kansas. I am also assisting with building a Petrel™ archive for the South-Central Kansas CO2 study.
I completed my M.S. in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Kansas in 2014 and have been working at the Kansas Geological Survey since May 2014. Born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam, I received my BE in Petroleum Geology from Vietnam National University and worked for Schlumberger prior to coming to KU. My work involves gathering publicly-available well data to build a geological model for the Cambro-Ordovician Arbuckle Group as part of an effort to investigate the role of fluid disposal on fault reactivation in southern Kansas. I am also assisting with building a Petrel™ archive for the South-Central Kansas CO2 study.