My MS work focuses on the plant-insect interactions across the Paleocene-Eocene boundary within the Hanna Basin, Wyoming. This basin experienced high water availability across the PETM an interesting occurrence compared to other basins, during this time.  I collected and analyzed fossils from the late Paleocene, just following the PETM, and the early Eocene.  These locations spanned lacustrine and fluvial facies with varying species diversity and levels of preservation.  I found that plant and insect communities did not respond to the PETM in the same way and that plant communities were different pre and post PETM but that insect communities rebounded to almost an identical community structure following the event.  Additionally, high plant herbivory occurred on 3 plant morphospecies and we documented occurrences of two types of damage known to be produced by modern Chrysomelid beetles and a type of Lepidoptera.  

If you have any questions about my fossil work or collaborations, please email me. 

Another beautiful fossil specimen. This one is called Averrhoites and is known for its thick mid vein.

A massive Sycamore (Platanites raynoldsii) specimens preserved within the early Eocene. This fossil comes from a floodplain deposit.

SUPER excited when you find an important fossil locality!

Beautiful palm specimens on the underside of a massive boulder. This location is just after the carbon isotope excursion the PETM (Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum).