I completed my education at Adams State University (Colorado) and Colorado School of Mines (CSM) with a degree in geology in 1986. I began work for the U.S Geological Survey in Denver, Colorado in 1987 and continue to work there nearly 35 years later as a Research Geologist. I have been working in the science of luminescence geochronology since 1990 and became the director of the USGS Luminescence Geochronology Lab in 1997. I am a fellow of the Geological Society of America, a member of the Association for Women Geoscientists, and Federally Employed Women.
I have presented over 200 diverse studies relating to luminescence dating at national and international scientific forums, authored or co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed articles or maps, and supervised the luminescence studies for over 50 graduate and post-graduate students. I am frequently asked to review papers for prestigious Quaternary science journals, perform guest editor duties, review National Science Foundation and European Space Agency grants, and provide dating control for important archeological, paleontological, and geological sites. I have collaborated with many other Federal and State agencies as well as university and private consultants. While this all sounds very impressive, my biggest sources of pride are my three sons, none of whom pursued a geology field in spite of my best efforts.