Advisor: Sara Rathburn
Email: SarahB.Dunn@colostate.edu
Previous Education:
B.A. Geology-Environmental Studies, Whitman College, 2018
About Me:
Growing up in Seattle, WA exposed me to an abundance of water from an early age. In pursuing my undergraduate degree, I was introduced to the discipline of geomorphology which intrigued me because it offers a framework for understanding dynamic landscapes. My interest solidified as I studied the influence of climate on hillslope processes in arid regions. Subsequent work in water science and resource management introduced me to groundwater, water quality, and fluvial systems as well as the power of GIS as a tool for studying landscapes.
My research interests center on how basin-scale perturbations such as fire, climate, and land use change shape river systems. I also greatly enjoy teaching and am excited to continue sparking others’ interest in science while at CSU!
Current Research:
I am investigating how beaver ponds in the Colorado Rockies attenuate sediment following wildfire. Excess sediment in rivers degrades water quality and threatens infrastructure. I aim to quantify the volume and characteristics of the sediment stored in ponds to help managers better plan for and mitigate the impacts of wildfire.