My central research objective is to assess past changes in large scale ocean-atmosphere climate dynamics during past warm climates to improve our understanding of future climate change. Specifically, I focus on the response of the North Atlantic Ocean and its role in controlling, propagating, and amplifying gradual climate forcings into abrupt climate change. Im particularly interested in determining exactly how changes in atmospheric circulation patterns control the strength (temperature, salinity) of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) on multidecadal to millennial timescales during the Quaternary. To address these objectives my research agenda concentrates on two avenues: (1) Refining state of the arte techniques in palaeoceanography to provide more reliable reconstructions of the extent and magnitude of past changes in climate, and (2) Applying a multiproxy approach to past climate reconstructions, including isotope and trace metal geochemistry, foraminiferal assemblage counts, and sedimentological analysis of marine sediments.

My ultimate teaching objective is to enhance climate science literacy of my students. Students that gain a better understanding of climate science in my classes are able to apply that knowledge in their careers, become active members of their communities, and are able to interpret and critique media coverage so they can contribute to conversations about climate as informed citizens. Modern students are primarily active learners, For this reason Im always eager to pilot the use of new teaching and learning technologies (ResponseWare, Smart Podium, Blackboard, e-text books, ect.) to enhance the student experience. At the Post-graduate level I immerse my research interests into my teaching by organizing annual ship-based research-training opportunities for our MSc class.