1. Given your research interests, what are the promising directions for
growth in the biogeosciences?
My research interests focus on the role that microorganisms play in sedimentary processes, particularly in extreme environments that are analogs for the early Earth and other potentially habitablle planetary bodies in our Solar System, like Mars and Europa. Of particular interest to me is the microbial biosedimentology and paleontology of saline lakes and playas over a range of pH, hydrothermal and subsurface evironments over a range of temperatures. I feel that all of these areas offer very compelling directions for growth in the biogeosciences because of the impact that these types of studies have on understandiing the early history of Earth and the potential for life to develop and persist elsewhere in the Cosmos.
2. How do you prepare your Ph.D. or master's students for a career in the
biogeosciences?
First, I try to instilll in them the importance of asking the right questions. Second, I stress the importance of knowing what has been done before and building upon those observations. Third, I seek to encourage independent thinking and a willingness to challenge old ideas by thinking out of the box.
3. Do you know of any undergraduates who have pursued successful careers in
the biogeosciences, or is an advanced degree necessary?
My experience suggests that because of the broadly-based interdisciplinary nature of the field, an advanced degree is requisite. Most undergraduate degree programs do not provide the breadth and depth needed to effectively address significant problems.
4. If you could influence anyone of the program managers who might fund your
research, who would it be and what program emphasis would you like them to
include in an upcoming program announcement?
I would encourage Michael Meyer (NASA Astrobiology program Manager) and the equivalent person(s) within NSF programs like geology/paleontology, biocomplexity, etc. to promote more research in the areas of biosignature analysis, biosedimentary cycles with relevant connections to deep history or planetary science.
5. Are you involved in establishing biogeoscience collaborations between
faculty at the same institution? If so, what are the advantages in this approach? Do you find inter-campus collaborations successful? If so, why?
Yes. Almost every project involves collaborations with colleagues at my home institution. First, having a colleague down tyhe hall can really promote interaction far above what can therwise be accomplished. Where the science is concerned, you can simply accomplish more by being able to approach problems from a broader perspective. Often the real breakthroughs come through this type of broader interaction, which can provide unique constraints and observations for addressing address scientific questions.
Sometimes inter-campus collaborations are successful. All collaborations are challenging because of personalities, different experiences and conceptual frameworks for doing science, etc. Adding distance to that mix of challenges is a definite negative, although I can say some of my long ditance collaborations have worked very well, primarily because of personalities and common motivations.
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