The platypodes
2025
2024
Chadlin M. Ostrander
I am an isotope geochemist experienced in a wide range of non-traditional isotope systems (e.g., V, Fe, Mo, Tl, and U). I apply these tools to many different problems. A lot of my work focuses on the oxygenation history of Earth, and what role this history played in the evolution of life. But I spend an ever-increasing amount of time studying modern isotope cycles.
When not doing geochemistry I like to read and think about geochemistry. I enjoy watching the Cleveland Guardians punch above their weight, listening to good music, and stalking western deer.
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Kiri Maza, PhD Student
Kiri is trying to improve our understanding of how ocean oxygenation levels changed during the Cambrian radiation of animals. Her primary field site is the House Range in western Utah. Kiri's project blends sedimentology, paleontology, and geochemistry to understand taphonomy, environmental evolution, and timescales of change. She is gaining experience in Fe speciation, trace metals, Tl isotopes, and astrochronology.
In her free time, Kiri likes to play the French horn, be outside, and watch basketball.
Michelle Norman, PhD Student
Michelle is testing palosalinity proxies in sedimentary materials from modern and Holocene-aged sites. They are also trying to reconstruct environmental conditions during the late Tonian, a timeframe of abundant vase-shaped microfossils. Michelle's primary field sites are the Uintah Mountains and Grand Canyon. Michelle is gaining experience in trace metals and Tl isotopes.
Outside of work Michelle enjoys running, hiking, skiing, camping, and rock climbing. They are an avid bookworm, watercolor artist, and video gamer.
Andrew Siciliano, PhD Student
Andrew's projects focus sharply on the Great Oxidation Event, a timeframe that was more dynamic than classically thought. He is reconstructing the spatial and temporal dynamics of oxygenation before, during, and after the GOE. He is gaining experience in a long (and still growing) list of geochemical tools such as trace metals, Tl isotopes, rare S isotopes, Ce anomalies, and La-Ce geochronology.
Outside of the lab, Andrew likes to hike, play chess, watch new shows, and is a huge basketball and soccer fan.
