Our Team
Sam Kodama
2021-pres.
Geomorphology
Sam uses models to explore how the weight of ice sheets deforms the Earth's surface and impacts the paths rivers take. He is motivated to improve research and mentoring opportunities in a way that supports inclusivity within the Geosciences.
Terra Ganey 2021-pres.
Biogeochemical modeling
Terra’s research focuses on carbonate chemistry and the response of the carbon cycle to changes in seawater composition over time. She is interested in using equity-minded teaching to promote inclusivity and accessibility in STEM.
Susan Pit
2022-pres.
Aquatic Geochemistry
Susan studies biogeochemistry in wetlands, with a focus on carbon and trace metal cycling. She is passionate about improving inclusivity and diversity in Earth sciences, in particular with respect to mentoring.
Nathan McGregor
2021-pres.
Planetary Science
Jessica Gagliardi
2021-pres.
Geochronology
Emilie Dunham
2022-pres.
Planetary Science
Dr. Emilie Dunham is currently a 51 Pegasi b Postdoc Fellow affiliated with UCSC in Prof Myriam Telus' group. Emilie is a cosmochemist and planetary scientist studying the chemical and isotopic makeup of ancient meteoritic inclusions with the goal of constraining the timing of Solar System formation. Emilie is passionate about advocating for DEIA support and is grateful to be part of the wonderful GEODES community.
J Fearon
2021–pres.
Planetary Science
J Fearon studies the survivors of mass extinctions. More specifically, they compare marine invertebrate communities from before, after and during mass extinctions to find out how ecosystems recover from major environmental change. Here in the present, they work to improve accessibility in teaching geosciences, and to be an ally to marginalized scientists. They also enjoy creating fantastic geology in Dungeons and Dragons, hiking, and making music.
Adam Haynes
2021-pres.
Hydrology
Jasper Romero
2021-pres.
Hydrology
Emily Kam
2021-pres.
Hydrology
Emily has a background in chemistry and geoscience, and uses these skills to improve groundwater supply and quality through managed aquifer recharge. She is also committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in STEM through community outreach and representation.
Amanda Donaldson
2019–pres.
Hydrology
Amanda's research explores the physical and ecological controls on water dynamics within terrestrial environments. She combines hydrometric measurements, geophysical techniques and stable water isotopes to characterize water storage and release patterns. She is interested in developing pedagogical approaches for promoting diversity and inclusivity within STEM fields.
Past Leaders
Rachel Maxwell
2016–2022
Planetary Science
Rachel researches geophysical phenomena on other bodies in our solar system using models, magnetometers, and remote observations. On our own planet, she is passionate about helping underrepresented groups overcome societal obstacles and achieve their true potential.
Jenny Pensky
2017–2023
Hydrology
Jenny investigates how to improve groundwater supply and quality. She is passionate about sustainable water resource management, inclusivity in STEM, and being outside as much as possible in the process.
Zack Kaufman
2017–2021
Climate science
Zack uses model simulations of the earth system to better understand how the polar regions respond to modern climate change. Along with studying the remote, snowy parts of the world, Zack is also interested in broadening the circle of participation in geoscience and inspiring more people to get involved!
Graham Edwards
2019–2021
Geochronology
Graham uses the natural clock of radioactive decay to measure the tempo of processes beneath glaciers and within ancient asteroids. Though his studies focus on the past, Graham is motivated to cultivate a future for the geosciences that is characterized by inclusivity and accessibility.
Szilard Gyalay
2017–2021
Planetary Science
Szilard explores moons and planets across the solar system through space robots. In any spare time, LEGOs, video games, and graphic design are his jam. Inclusivity is his jam at all times.
Sarah White
2017–2019
Paleoclimatology
Sarah studies paleoclimate, with a focus on figuring out what El Nino was like in the past so we can better predict it in the future. She believes improving STEM education at all levels is the key to increasing diversity and opportunity in the sciences. She enjoys food, travel, webcomics, and finding adventure in everyday places.
Araceli Serrano
2017–2020
Hydrology
Danica Roth
2014–2016
Geomorphology
Danica is a physicist/astrophysicist-turned-geomorphologist. She enjoys engaging her intersecting passions for equality and education through STEM outreach, inquiry focused pedagogy, and her work as the vice president of Women in Science and Engineering at UCSC.
Claire Masteller
2014–2016
Geomorphology
Claire fell in love with geomorphology while jumping off of a sand dune. These days she uses mini rivers and power tools for her research. She is also passionate about improving the accessibility of research experiences for undergrads. In her down time she enjoys playing soccer, bar trivia, and yelling at sporting events of any kind.
Allison Pfeiffer
2014–2016
Geomorphology
These days, Allison is an assistant professor at Western Washington University, where she teaches geomorphology and continues research in fluvial processes. While she misses GEODES dearly, she is excited to continue fostering inclusive communities in her new institution.
Sarah Beganskas
2014–2018
Hydrology
Sarah uses interdisciplinary tools--including computer modeling, geochemistry, and microbiology--to study ways to sustainably improve groundwater supply and quality. She cares deeply about fostering inclusiveness and equity in STEM education.
Vicky Yuan
2016–2017
Paleoclimatology
​Vicky studies past ocean dynamics of the Central Pacific in the hopes of better understanding how changing climate will influence future oceanic and atmospheric circulation. Vicky cares deeply about teaching and helping first generation college students succeed.
Stephanie Taylor
2014–2017
Geophysics
Stephanie discovered geology at the age of 24 during an epic solo cross-country road trip. Before this epiphany she got a degree in the sociology of gender and worked in public relations for a couple of years, but now she spends her days playing with sand, hiking, and meditating on the beauty of geologic time. Some of her other interests include cities, dogs, efficient Matlab scripts, and glitter glue.
Dan Killam
2016–2018
Paleoclimatology
Dan "The Clam Man" Killam studies clams, climate and conservation by day, but at night he is passionate about social and environmental justice. In his spare time he enjoys birding, gardening, scuba diving and hanging with his two hermit crabs.
Grace Barcheck
2014–2018
Glaciology
Grace is a geoscientist because of the field trips, and she has travelled all over the world for research projects: Antarctica, Iceland, and Guam, to name a few. She is passionate about improving STEM education, especially for young women, and about getting people outside to play and learn.
Carolyn Branecky
2016–2018
Glaciology
Carolyn studies ice sheets because she is curious about their role in our climate system and because she wants to help us make decisions in response to climate changes. Carolyn cares about being a socially reponsible scientist, and that includes supporting fellow scientists on their journey.
Em Schnorr
2017–2021
Seismology
Em is interested in environmental processes that produce earthquake-like signals, such as shaky glaciers and landslides, and what their shakiness can tell us about their dynamics under the surface. Em is passionate about creating inclusive spaces in STEM. In their spare time, they love playing ultimate frisbee, puzzle games, and having campfires on the beach.