My research interests involve developing new and/or improving existing analytical techniques and equipment for the determination of ultra-low level trace metal concentrations to investigate biogeochemical processes within the aquatic and marine environment.

During my career in Professor Bruland's research lab, I gained expertise in the various skills necessary to perform such field intensive research. These include not only the many instrumental techniques for low level trace metals analysis including electrochemical and spectrometric techniques, but also developing novel chemical methods to prepare ultra-clean reagents necessary for processing oceanic samples.

I also design and construct new types of equipment to allow collection and processing of environmental samples that previously were impossible to obtain with traditional methods. My experience in analytical chemistry, mechanical and electrical engineering, materials science and biology has made these advances possible.

Unfortunately, pre-existing trace metal sampling techniques were so slow and involved that detailed horizontal mapping of large areas of the ocean could not be accomplished with the resolution or time scale needed to describe the system before changes occurred. This limitation made it clear that a rapid, trace-metal-clean surface sampling technique was necessary before we could gain more understanding of the fate and transport of trace metals in the coastal oceans and the ever-changing dynamics between the phytoplankton population and those metals.

To address this need, I developed and continue to improve a unique, high-volume, surface seawater sampling tow-fish system that allows rapid collection of trace-metal-clean samples for dissolved and particulate analyses while the ship is underway at speeds of up to 12 knots. During the same time period, post docs and graduate students in Professor Bruland's laboratory were developing novel flow injection analysis methods that allow rapid ship-board analyses to take full advantage of the capabilities provided by the tow-fish system. The tow-fish system has now been used successfully on fourteen of Professor Bruland's major research cruises to investigate the patchwork of different conditions that exist among the currents and eddies along the West Coast of the United States, from Costa Rica to the Galapagos Islands and the upwelling region off of Peru, to compare on and off the continental shelf in the Bering Sea, and for investigating the Columbia River plume off Washington and Oregon.

The creative process involved with developing new methods and equipment has been one of the most satisfying aspects of my career. I have been able to develop numerous new types of sampling equipment in addition to the large tow-fish system that have allowed us to pursue research that previously was impossible.

I have been extrememly fortunate to work with Ken for my whole career and I am looking forward to continuing this research to further our understanding of the various factors controlling the productivity of the world's oceans. I also am happy that I can do this in as beautiful area as Santa Cruz and can ride my mountain bike to work and then play in the redwood forest on my way home!