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.
Katherine Ludwig, M.S. (expected May 2022; co-advised w/ F. Gomez)
I grew up in Belvidere, Illinois, and received my B.A. in geology from Augustana College in 2019. I have always been interested in the sciences, and my love for geology grew through my experiences in middle and high school organizations like Science Olympiad and Envirothon. I completed my graduate thesis at Augustana College on the geochemistry of the Chinchín Formation, a volcanic formation in southern Ecuador. Currently, I am working with Dr. Bidgoli and Dr. Gomez on my M.S. thesis research. We plan to use geochronology to better understand the Avawatz Mountains in southern California and their relationship with the Garlock Fault and the Southern Death Valley Fault Zone. In my free time, I like to draw, read, add to my mineral collection, and play with my dog.
I grew up in Belvidere, Illinois, and received my B.A. in geology from Augustana College in 2019. I have always been interested in the sciences, and my love for geology grew through my experiences in middle and high school organizations like Science Olympiad and Envirothon. I completed my graduate thesis at Augustana College on the geochemistry of the Chinchín Formation, a volcanic formation in southern Ecuador. Currently, I am working with Dr. Bidgoli and Dr. Gomez on my M.S. thesis research. We plan to use geochronology to better understand the Avawatz Mountains in southern California and their relationship with the Garlock Fault and the Southern Death Valley Fault Zone. In my free time, I like to draw, read, add to my mineral collection, and play with my dog.
Nathan Reed, M.S. (expected May 2022)
I am from Las Vegas, Nevada. I received a B.S. in geology from UNLV in 2019. My interest in geology really took off after my first trip to the Grand Canyon. I have come to Mizzou where I am excited to continue my education in graduate school. I am interested in the spatial distribution of rocks and the tectonic processes that got them there. Show me the faults and folds! My research will focus on tectonics and thermochronology in the Basin and Range. When I’m not busy with school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, sports, biking, and really anything that has to do with the great outdoors.
I am from Las Vegas, Nevada. I received a B.S. in geology from UNLV in 2019. My interest in geology really took off after my first trip to the Grand Canyon. I have come to Mizzou where I am excited to continue my education in graduate school. I am interested in the spatial distribution of rocks and the tectonic processes that got them there. Show me the faults and folds! My research will focus on tectonics and thermochronology in the Basin and Range. When I’m not busy with school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, sports, biking, and really anything that has to do with the great outdoors.
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.
Noah Cadwell, B.S. (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.
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
- Begum Kurtoglu, M.S. (Univ. of Missouri; July 2020) – Geoscientist with Golder Associates, Inc.
- Wei Wang, Post-doctoral Researcher (Univ. of Missouri; December 2018-July 2019) – Faculty at CGU
- Esmail Ansari, Post-doctoral Researcher (Univ. of Kansas; August 2017-June 2019) – Consultant
- Jeffrey Jennings, M.S. (Univ. of Kansas; did not complete) - Landscaper
- Andrew Hollenbach, M.S. (Univ. of Kansas; January 2017-May 2019) – Ph.D. at University of Kansas
- Kathleen Graham, M.S. (Univ. of Kansas; September 2016-February 2019) – Geoscientist with Chesapeake
- Wei Wang, Ph.D. Visiting Scholar (Univ. of Kansas; September 2015-October 2017) – Faculty at CGU
- Drew R. Schwab, M.S. (Univ. of Kansas; September 2014-December 2016) – Geoscientist with Chevron
- James P. Tyrrell, M.S. (Univ. of Kansas; September 2014-December 2016) – Geoscientist with Concho
- Jeffrey Jennings, Kansas Geological Survey Intern (September 2016-December 2017)-Landscaper
- Kesley Lamer, Kansas Geological Survey Intern (May 2017-August 2017)
- Christa M. Jackson, Kansas Geological Survey Intern (May 2015-June 2016)