Former Members

Robert J. O'Donnell

Research Interests

My research aims to build a large scale modern dataset for the stable carbon isotope, carbon-13, along salt marshes in the Cascadian subduction zone. With this dataset I investigated the applicability of using bulk sediment isotopes as relative sea level proxies and their potential utility in estimating coseismic subsidence due to large megathrust earthquakes.

About Me

I graduated my M.Sc. Marine Science from UNCW in May 2016. I hold a B.S. in Geology and a minor in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Mary Washington. I began working with stable isotopes after coming to the University of North Carolina Wilmington to pursue a M.S. in Marine Science.

Where Are They Now

Project Coordinator at Anacostia Riverkeeper, Washington D.C. Metro Area

Charles S. Adams

Research Interests

The Cascadia subduction zone experiences a megathrust earthquake every 200 – 1,000 years, with the most recent having occurred in AD 1700. I am using fossil foraminiferal assemblages from southern Washington, to quantify subsidence estimates for the AD 1700 earthquake. In collaboration with researchers from University of Rhode Island, data from this project will further our understanding of down-dip rupture limits and help to constrain rupture models for the Cascadia subduction zone. Other research interests include improving laboratory work-flow and vulnerability of coastal systems to natural or anthropogenic changes

About Me

I graduated my M.Sc. Geoscience from UNCW in July 2016. I hold a B.S. in Marine Science and a minor in Creative Writing from Eckerd College. I began working with foraminifera and sea level studies during an summer internship with the University of South Florida in 2010.

Where Are They Now

Colorado

Paulina M. Capar

Research Interests

My research uses agglutinated foraminifera to establish Relative Sea Level records over the past 4000 years along the southern coast of North Carolina. With these records I am also investigating the influences of glacial isostatic rebound and tectonic processes.

About Me

I am a second year graduate student planning on receiving a Master of Science in Marine Science in December 2015. I received my B.S. in Marine Biology as well as a B.A. in Geoscience at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in May of 2012.

Where Are They Now

CMS

Jaimie E. Little

Research Interests

I am using benthic foraminifera to look at past sea levels and paleoecology in San Blas, Argentina. I am also intrested in population ecology, conservation ecology, and the effects of land use on plant and animal communities.

About Me

I graduated with a Masters in Geosciences from UNCW in 2015. I also recieved a B.S. in Zoology and a minor in Regional Studies from Mars Hill University. I began working with foraminifera and sea level studies during an REU internship with the Maryland Sea Grant in 2011.

Where Are They Now

I am a lab technician at USGS St. Petersburg, FL Coastal and Marine Science Center

Joanna C. Peth

Research Interests

My main research interests include palaeoceanography and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction techniques, climate change science, and stable isotope geochemistry. My Masters thesis focuses on the utility of isotope proxies of relative sea-level variability in the South Atlantic. Overall, I am interested in the varying anthropogenic effects on the Earth's climate within the recent Holocene.

About Me

I graduated with a Masters in Marine Science in 2015. I also received a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science with a minor in Marine Science at Penn State University. While at Penn State, I conducted an independent research project investigating the multi-decadal isotopic signatures of Montastraea annularis corals in Curacao, Netherland Antilles as a proxy of sea surface palaeotemperature.

Where Are They Now

N/A

Kyle J. McDermott

Research Interests

I am interested in marine sediment dynamics, paleoceanography and paleoclimatology. I am also intrested in deep sea currents and oceanographic observation systems.

About Me

I graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in December 2014 with a B.S. in Oceanography. I also have an Associates degree in Marine Technology from Cape Fear Community College. I enjoy working in the field with instrumentation and equipment.

Where Are They Now

I am a buoy technician with the Coastal Ocean Research and Monitoring Program at UNCW's Center for Marine Science.

Rachel B. Stearns

Research Interests

Using agglutinated foraminifera for proxy reconstructions of relative sea level in salt-marsh systems.

About Me

I graduated with B.S. in Oceanography and Environmental Science from UNCW in 2015. I started working in the Sea Level Research Lab in August of 2014. My lab duties included picking and identifying foraminifera, isotope preparation, and providing comedic relief to keep stress levels low. My project focused on creating a modern foraminiferal dataset from South Africa to reconstruct high-resolution sea level.

Where Are They Now

Masters candidate at the University of Rhode Island. Rachel's current project is aimed at producing a high-resolution reconstruction of relative sea level for Rhode Island. 

Megan M. Davis

Research Interests

I am interested in ocean acidification and hypoxia and their effects on benthic foraminifera. I am also interested in using foraminifera as indicators of sea level.

About Me

I graduated with a B.S. in Oceanography from UNCW in 2015. I completed a guest student position at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in 2013 and from that experience I have 2 papers that I am a coauthor on under review. I have a captains license, I am a lady angler on the Get Floor'd/OIFC fishing team, and the tackle manager at the Ocean Isle Fishing Center.

Where Are They Now

Graduate student at NOVA Southeastern University

Courtney N. Pierce

Research Interests

About Me

I graduated with a Masters in Geosciences from UNCW in 2014.

Where Are They Now

N/A

Haley A. Kachmarik

Research Interests

About Me

I graduated with B.S. in Oceanography in 2014.

Where Are They Now?

N/A

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Center for Marine Science

Contact

University of North Carolina Wilmington
Department of Geography and Geology
Center for Marine Science
Tel: (910)-962-2350
email: hawkesaATuncw.edu