Department of Geology Appalachian State Univ.
PO. Box 32008
Boone, NC  28608

 My research efforts have been divided between two programs:
 

• The first is an investigation of microevolutionary patterns and processes.  I use morphometric methods applied to fossil invertebrates (Bryozoa) to document subspecific morphologic variation and incorporate empirical observations into revised models for microevolution and speciation.  The colonial nature of bryozoans allows for study of the sources of morphologic variation, which are not possible to resolve with solitary fossil organisms. Work to date has demonstrated that remarkably high-level resolution of morphologic variation from fossil material can contain meaningful signals about genetic and microenvironmental influences.

•  The second part of my research involves the distribution and ecology of Bryozoa.  This study differs from the first in that the level of interest is spacio-temporal taxic variation (species and genera).  The modern southern Australian continental shelf provided the opportunity to evaluate the ecology and distribution of an extremely diverse bryozoan fauna (400+ species, 77+ families, 3 orders in one study).  Bryozoa play a dominant role in the benthic ecosystem and carbonate sediment production in this province.  I have used Bryozoa from this province to develop a multi-dimensional, morpho-ecological space which can be used to characterize and evaluated life modes of this Phylum (refined derivative of traditional growth form analysis).  This approach has proved viable and effective in the study of broader ecological patterns in the southern Australian Temperate Province.  This methodology was integral in recognizing and understanding ephemeral substrates (host animals with cuticular or spiculate skeletons) as a primary source of sediment production in this cool-water carbonate province.