"My research is directed towards a better understanding of how variations in metamorphic grade in space and time (metamorphic architecture) are linked to the thermal and tectonic processes that control orogenesis. The work involves a two-fold approach. The first uses coupled thermal-mechanical computer models of the relationships between heat, tectonics, and metamorphism in orogenic belts, done in collaboration with C. Beaumont. The modelling expertise is provided by the Dalhousie Geodynamics Group; I contribute to problem selection, planning the modelling approach, analysis of the results, comparison with data, and interpretation in terms of processes. Recent work has focused on "large hot orogens" including the Himalayan-Tibetan system and Grenville orogen. The second approach involves field-based petrological studies that integrate structural, metamorphic, and geochronologic data in an effort to produce a well constrained, internally consistent, thermal-tectonic interpretations. Specific study areas include the Grenville orogen of central Ontario, in collaboration with N. Culshaw of Dalhousie, Appalachian metamorphic complexes in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland (various collaborators), and projects in the Trans-Hudson Orogen in collaboration with colleagues at the Geological Survey of Canada. These field-based projects generally involve graduate and/or honours students. I have recently been working on contact metamorphism in the city of Halifax (including the Dalhousie campus); the work was started to give undergraduate students some local field experience, but has evolved into a significant research focus."
