I research the links between bedrock, vegetation, and erosion. In particular, I am interested in how we can use a biogeochemical approach to determine what aspects of the critical zone and underlying bedrock are aiding or inhibiting plant growth within the Southern Sierra CZO. While the approach involves studying trees, soils, and bedrock at the molecular level, the implications can be very large scale when considering how bedrock composition may affect geomorphology. I am currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Wyoming and an NSF Graduate Research Program Fellow.