{"id":41,"date":"2026-06-23T15:32:03","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T21:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/warnercnr1.wpenginepowered.com\/geosciences\/?page_id=41"},"modified":"2026-11-12T12:06:53","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T19:06:53","slug":"research-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/geosciences\/research-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Research overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Our faculty\u2019s research strengths span the scales of earth systems and materials, involving studies from the local Colorado Front Range to Antarctica. Research opportunities are available at all levels, from undergraduates to postdoctoral scholars<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research areas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n

Changing Landscapes: <\/strong>Earth Surface Processes and Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
river science, glaciers and snow, landscape evolution, groundwater, climate change, natural hazards, critical zone science<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n \"Sean\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Sean Gallen<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Associate Professor<\/p>\n

\n sean.gallen@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am an Earth Scientist interested in landscape evolution, tectonics, critical zone science, and natural hazards.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Dan\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Dan McGrath<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Associate Professor<\/p>\n

\n daniel.mcgrath@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a geoscientist who utilizes geophysical and remote sensing tools to study the changing cryosphere, with a particular focus on glaciers and seasonal snow. My research has involved more than 20 expeditions to Antarctica, Greenland, Nepal, Alaska and Patagonia. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Joel\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Joel Pederson<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Geosciences Department Head | Professor<\/p>\n

\n joel.pederson@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

Geomorphology and landscape evolution of the Western U.S., administration and promotion of geoscience programs<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Sara\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Sara Rathburn<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Professor<\/p>\n

\n sara.rathburn@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a fluvial geomorphologist with interests in drainage basin response and recovery to sediment disturbances including floods, fires and mass movements, the influences of climate change on channel morphology and vegetation-channel feedbacks, and process-based channel restoration and monitoring.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Michael\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Michael Ronayne<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Associate Professor<\/p>\n

\n michael.ronayne@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a hydrogeologist researching flow and transport through heterogeneous aquifers and connected groundwater-surface water systems. I develop groundwater management models to inform the sustainable use of water resources.\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Ellen\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Ellen Wohl<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

University Distinguished Professor<\/p>\n

\n ellen.wohl@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a fluvial geomorphologist studying a broad range of topics within the field of geomorphology such as fluvial and hillslope geomorphology, paleohydrology and channel change.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Earth in Motion: <\/strong>Geophysics and Seismology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
earthquakes, mountain uplift, mantle flow, monitoring global change<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n
\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n \"Rick\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Rick Aster<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Professor<\/p>\n

\n rick.aster@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a geophysicist with interests in seismic imaging and source studies applied to diverse Earth processes that encompass deep structure, earthquakes, volcanos, ocean processes, and glaciers.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Dennis\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Dennis Harry<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Professor<\/p>\n

\n dennis.harry@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a geophysicist focusing on geodynamic studies of continental rift systems and rifted continental margins. \n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Dan\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Dan McGrath<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Associate Professor<\/p>\n

\n daniel.mcgrath@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a geoscientist who utilizes geophysical and remote sensing tools to study the changing cryosphere, with a particular focus on glaciers and seasonal snow. My research has involved more than 20 expeditions to Antarctica, Greenland, Nepal, Alaska and Patagonia. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Derek\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Derek Schutt<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Professor<\/p>\n

\n derek.schutt@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a seismologist and geophysicist interested in understanding deep Earth structures and their effects on past and present tectonics and landscapes.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Critical Resources: <\/strong>Water, Energy, and Minerals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
water supply and quality, energy production and storage, carbon capture and storage, sediment and microplastic transport, mineral exploration<\/em><\/em><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n \"John\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n John Ridley<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Malcolm McCallum Chair of Economic Geology<br>Associate Professor<\/p>\n

\n john.ridley@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I study economic geology building on a background in petrology, structural geology, field geology, inorganic and organic geochemistry. My current research projects examine fluid:ore interactions from magmas to environmental impacts. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Michael\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Michael Ronayne<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Associate Professor<\/p>\n

\n michael.ronayne@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a hydrogeologist researching flow and transport through heterogeneous aquifers and connected groundwater-surface water systems. I develop groundwater management models to inform the sustainable use of water resources.\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Lisa\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Lisa Stright<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Associate Professor, Geosciences Graduate Program Director<\/p>\n

\n lisa.stright@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a geoscientist and petroleum engineer interested in applied reservoir modeling, using outcrops as quantitative subsurface analogs, and creating methodologies to build more predictive sedimentological and reservoir storage and flow models.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Rebecca\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Rebecca VanderLeest<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Assistant Professor<\/p>\n

\n rebecca.vanderleest@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Tectonics<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Dynamic Planet: <\/strong>Structure and Tectonics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
mountain building, landscape history, faults, plate motion<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n
\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n \"Lauren\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Lauren Harrison<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Assistant Professor<\/p>\n

\n lauren.n.harrison@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a geochemist interested in the composition and plumbing systems of Earth\u2019s volcanoes, studying long-lived mantle plumes to infer Earth\u2019s chemical composition, and identifying and mitigating volcanic impacts and hazards.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Dennis\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Dennis Harry<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Professor<\/p>\n

\n dennis.harry@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a geophysicist focusing on geodynamic studies of continental rift systems and rifted continental margins. \n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Sean\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Sean Gallen<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Associate Professor<\/p>\n

\n sean.gallen@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am an Earth Scientist interested in landscape evolution, tectonics, critical zone science, and natural hazards.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Derek\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Derek Schutt<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Professor<\/p>\n

\n derek.schutt@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a seismologist and geophysicist interested in understanding deep Earth structures and their effects on past and present tectonics and landscapes.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"John\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n John Singleton<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Associate Professor<\/p>\n

\n john.singleton@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

structural geology, geologic mapping, tectonics of the North American Cordillera<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Rebecca\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Rebecca VanderLeest<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Assistant Professor<\/p>\n

\n rebecca.vanderleest@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Tectonics<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Fire and Rock: <\/strong>Petrology, Volcanology, and Geochemistry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
volcanoes, gems and minerals, geologic dating techniques, critical minerals<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n
\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n \"Rick\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Rick Aster<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Professor<\/p>\n

\n rick.aster@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a geophysicist with interests in seismic imaging and source studies applied to diverse Earth processes that encompass deep structure, earthquakes, volcanos, ocean processes, and glaciers.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Lauren\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Lauren Harrison<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Assistant Professor<\/p>\n

\n lauren.n.harrison@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a geochemist interested in the composition and plumbing systems of Earth\u2019s volcanoes, studying long-lived mantle plumes to infer Earth\u2019s chemical composition, and identifying and mitigating volcanic impacts and hazards.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Jerry\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n Jerry Magloughlin<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Associate Professor<\/p>\n

\n jerry.magloughlin@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I am a structural geologist\/hard rock petrologist, with interests in faults, shear zones, fault rocks, the geochemical and isotopic aspects of deformation, metamorphic and igneous petrology, and geoeducation including geophotography.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"John\n <\/figure>\n
\n

\n John Ridley<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Malcolm McCallum Chair of Economic Geology<br>Associate Professor<\/p>\n

\n john.ridley@colostate.edu <\/p>\n

I study economic geology building on a background in petrology, structural geology, field geology, inorganic and organic geochemistry. My current research projects examine fluid:ore interactions from magmas to environmental impacts. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Our faculty\u2019s research strengths span the scales of earth systems and materials, involving studies from the local Colorado Front Range to Antarctica. Research opportunities are available at all levels, from undergraduates to postdoctoral scholars Research areas Changing Landscapes: Earth Surface Processes and Systems river science, glaciers and snow, landscape evolution, groundwater, climate change, natural hazards, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":518,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"slim_seo":{"title":"Research overview - Geosciences","description":"Our faculty\u2019s research strengths span the scales of earth systems and materials, involving studies from the local Colorado Front Range to Antarctica. Research o"},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-41","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/geosciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/41","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/geosciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/geosciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/geosciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/geosciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/geosciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/41\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1631,"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/geosciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/41\/revisions\/1631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/warnercnr.colostate.edu\/geosciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}