The goal of my graduate research was to offer a new approach for examining the internal processes at work in an active debris avalanche, one of the most deadly types of volcanic events. Research at the time suggested that a debris avalanche moved primarily as a planar flow, quite different from the equally dangerous pyroclastic flow. Given the hazardous nature of the event, examining a debris avalanche in action was not possible. The method I created combined digital technology that had previously only been used by the NIH with fault mechanics to examine grain morphology throughout the deposit. While the results did support the current belief that debris avalanches move as planar flows, one of the equally important contributions my research made to the field was to invite others to seek out more innovative ways to answer geologic questions. My results were well received at several international conferences and have been referenced and repeated.

I have yet to formally share my personal research on what I have learned about the human/environment relationship. However, I let what I have learned guide me as I continue to improve upon my classes and the ways that that I engage students. Many of my students have gone on to become geologists, environmental scientists, Earth science educators, geology/environmental science majors, or simply Earth science enthusiasts. I think helping others discover their connection to the natural world and its relevance in today’s society is the best way to arm these future decision makers with the skills they need to make informed decisions and be advocates for a more sustainable future.