staff_directory_entries

Graduate Students

David Cavell

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 227 (Galena Pod)

I am a volcanologist who has focused on physical volcanology of basaltic volcanoes. My project at ISU is mapping the surface lava flows of Sixmile Butte in the eastern Snake River Plain, Idaho and identifying, through geochemistry and petrology, changes in the evolution of the volcano's lavas during its eruptive phase. I will be utilizing ground mapping techniques and observation to produce a detailed map of individual lava flow lobes. With geochemical and petrological techniques, I will map mineral phase changes and concentrations of the lava flows.

Daliedmarie Delgado Maisonet

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 227 (Galena Pod)

daliedmariedelgad@isu.edu

Winner of the Top Graduate Poster Presentation Award in the Engineering, Physical & Mathematics Sciences category at the 2024 Research & Creative Works Symposium

I am an aspiring volcanologist interested in physical volcanology and the assessment of volcanic hazards. I've previously worked in the analysis of sulfur dioxide emissions of Guatemala's most active volcanoes, the analysis of height displacement at Ol Doinyo Lengai (CODE-GEO, Virginia Tech), and the study of Proterozoic metamorphic bedrock and fault geometry (Arctic REU).

My research at ISU focuses on the study of lunar analogs in the eastern Snake River Plain volcanic region. The study will be done by employing portable equipment to identify pyroclasts, developing 3D LiDAR scans of lava tubes, and using high resolution UAS data to understand how the surface of lava changes due to sediment accumulation. This will help in understanding the original form of lunar lava flows that are partially concealed by lunar dust and provide insights into the roughness, which could indicate stable regions for lunar ice below the threshold of detection in orbital data.

Jennings Leavell

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 238 (Flourite Pod) or Gale 408

jenningsleavell@isu.edu

I am a MS in Geology student in Dr. Lohse’s Lab, and an aspiring biogeochemist and watershed scientist. I intend to pursue a PhD next on the path to a career as a professor or researcher.

My MS thesis research focus at ISU is phosphorus' biogeochemical response to a prescribed burn in an intermittent stream system. This project was developed and implemented in conjunction with other students, collaborators, and the NSF RII Track 2 AIMS project. I am also broadly interested in nutrient biogeochemistry, chemical fate, intermittent stream hydrology, and scientific outreach to primary and secondary students and educators.

I earned my BA in Chemistry and minor in Philosophy from Bowdoin College (2018). Between academic programs, I was an intern for the Mote Marine ecotoxicology research lab, an analyst for an environmental analytical lab in Salt Lake City, and held various service industry jobs. See my CV for more details.

Outside of work, I am an avid music-enjoyer and outdoors person. I love climbing, skiing, running, and camping in the mountains of southeast Idaho and throughout the Mountain West, usually with my dog, Sage, in tow.

Jennings Leavell CV 20240229

Anna Miller

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 207D (Halite Pod)

annamiller2@isu.edu

I am broadly interested in studying crustal deformation from a structural geology and tectonics perspective. My current research uses thermochronology to reconstruct geologic histories across unconformities, particularly in the Uinta Mountains of northeastern Utah. This area has experienced multiple episodes of deformation, resulting in a tangle of structural complexities to sort out along with the deep-time thermal history of sampled basement rocks. I am always excited to combine field work with analytical work and learn more about the world around us.

Sarah Newcomb

Program: Ph.D. in Geosciences

sarahnewcomb@isu.edu

Academic Interests
I'm interested in how climate change is impacting water resources across the Western United States. Specifically, my research aims to characterize how nonperennial headwater streams respond to drought and the role of plant water use, groundwater age, and precipitation phase in either exacerbating or buffering this response.

Maria Reinoso

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 207B (Halite Pod)

mariareinoso@isu.edu

I am an MS student in Geology at Idaho State University, working with Dr. Kurt Sundell. As I am from Ecuador, I did my undergraduate studies at Yachay Tech University where I earned a BS in Geology, working on the stratigraphic and tectonic characterization of the Peñas Coloradas Formation, and its relation with the deposits of the Chota formation in the Chota Basin of northern Ecuador.

Here at ISU, I am studying the sediment routing history of the Bengal Fan. Specifically, I am using mixture modeling to test hypotheses involving climate and tectonics to explain observed changes in sediment provenance at the Plio-Pleistocene transition. In my free time I like to explore some trails in Pocatello, going for long walks and spend time with my friends.

Michelle Sclafani

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Physical Sciences 207E (Halite Pod)

michellesclafani@isu.edu

I am a master's student studying how intermittent stream biogeochemistry changes in
response to fire under Dr. Kathleen Lohse. My research project is focused on how a
recent prescribed fire that surrounded an intermittent watershed alters inorganic
nitrogen processing.

Following my B.S. in Geology and a B.S. in Biological Sciences from NC State, I took an
eight year break in the public sector. During my time at the North Carolina Department
of Environmental Quality and City of Raleigh's Stormwater Management, I became
passionate about public service and community engagement. I've enjoyed working with
a diverse set of business and property owners, and applying science into daily lives. My
long-term goal is to pursue a career in land and groundwater management where I can
use scientific investigations to improve responsible decision making processes.

In my spare time I enjoy trail running, camping, gardening, playing cello and
volunteering. I've also liked improving my German so I can stay better connected with my
family!

Olivia Stanley

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Office: Physical Sciences 207E (Halite Pod)

oliviastanley@isu.edu

I am an MS in Geology student working with Dr. Glenn Thackray as an aspiring quaternary scientist. Broadly, I am interested in questions concerning both fluvial and glacial geomorphology, water and snow science, and paleoclimate. However, my current research is focused on characterizing the hydrologic and ecologic properties of rock glaciers in the Lost River and Pioneer Ranges of Central Idaho as a means of understanding rock glacier stream potential as a vital water resource in arid regions more widely. My work is largely field-based and interdisciplinary with collaborators across disciplines in geomorphology, hydrology, geochemistry, and stream ecology. As a side interest, I am also pursuing continued coursework in philosophy of science, science outreach and communication, and secondary STEM education.

Prior to my time at ISU, I attended Davidson College (2020) where I earned a BS in both Environmental Studies and Philosophy and pursued a largely soil science and geomorphic mapping-based thesis titled "Morphology and Evolution of the Linville River, North Carolina, USA." As a peak pandemic grad, I wanted to wait until in-person learning could resume before jumping back into graduate studies, so I spent a couple years based in Charlotte, NC (and beyond) working in sustainable development in the coffee industry before moving to Pocatello in the Fall of '22.

I am beyond grateful to now call the beautiful state of Idaho home. Outside of the research world, I am a lover of the outdoors and avid music fan. You can catch me backpacking, skiing, flyfishing, kayaking, and camping all across the Northern Rockies or dancing the night away at one of Idaho's many bluegrass shows.

Daniel Vega

Program: M.S. in Geology

Office: Office: Physical Sciences 238 (Flourite Pod)

danielvega@isu.edu

I am a geology graduate student working with Dr. Ryan Anderson and Dr. David Pearson interested in the structural evolution of rocks and their deformation mechanisms. My research here at ISU involves investigating the complex deformational history of the Raft River-Albion-Grouse Creek metamorphic core complex south of Burley, Idaho, through geologic field mapping and structural analysis of deformed rocks. Additionally, I’m interested in understanding the broader implications of metamorphic core complexes in regional tectonics.

I previously earned an associate degree at Weber State University before coming to ISU where I completed a BS in Geology in July 2023. I interned with the Idaho Geological Survey before starting the grad program working on a project investigating rare earth element abundance in the Permian Phosphoria Formation in Soda Springs, Idaho.

In my free time I can be found playing soccer, shooting hoops, snowboarding, fishing, or running on some of the great local trails of Pocatello.