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Fossil

Graduate Studies in Palynology at UAF

The UAF Graduate Program in Palynology offers students the opportunity to conduct research in Quaternary palynology or stratigraphic palynology. The MS program is designed to provide students with the field, laboratory, and analytical skills necessary for collection, processing, and interpretation of palynological data from rocks and sediments of all ages. Field work for Quaternary projects includes collection of lake cores and surface pollen samples, whereas students collecting samples from lithified sediments will hone their stratigraphic correlation skills. All students will learn standard laboratory processing techniques for modern and fossil pollen and standard light microscopy skills, as well as mastering advanced analytical tools such as the scanning electron microscope.

Graduate students are advised by a 3-member committee, chosen on the basis of the project and the expertise of the potential adivsers. UAF faculty available to serve on Palyonology thesis committees have specialties that include paleontology, Quaternary geology, clastic sedimentology, and geochronology.

Projects undertaken in recent years include examination of Holocene paleoclimates and surface pollen assemblages of central Mongolia (right) and reconstruction of Cretaceous floras and environments of central Alaska. Additional projects could include analysis of Tertiary assemblages from the Kenai Penninsula or reconstruction of Alaskan climate change since the last glacial maximum.

Contact: Dr. Sarah Fowell, Associate Professor

 
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Department of Geology and Geophysics
Reichardt Building Room 308, 900 Yukon Drive
P.O. Box 755780
Fairbanks, AK 99775-5780
phone: (907) 474-7565
fax: (907) 474-5163
 

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. UAF is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution.

Last modified May 4, 2007 by geology@uaf.edu

 

 
Background Image is a dinosaur track found by 2006 Geology Field Camp students Susi Tomsich and Jeremiah Drewel. Photo compliments of Jeremiah Drewel.