Dr. Burkett's Lab
MicroCT Imaging
My interests in MicroCT technology revolve around my expertise as a micropaleontologist. I’m interested in using MicroCT scanning in my work on modern analogs to develop a paleooxygen proxy to better interpret, and ideally even quantify, oxygen availability in the oceans of the Earth’s past. I am also interested in using MicroCT scanning technology to better understand several unknown mechanisms of foraminifera lifespan, mobility, and reproduction. Finally, I am very excited about the prospects of microfossil reconstructions when applied to machine learning. Some of our 3D models can be found on Sketchfab.
Low Oxygen and High Organic Environments
I am interested in the development of proxies to determine oxygen availability and assess the quality and extent of organic carbon in past marine environments. I am interested in looking at microfossil records in low oxygen/high organic carbon environments to assess ecologic and morphologic shifts (visible via SEM and MicroCT) indicative of changes in oxygen/carbon and coupling these records with sediment and biogeochemistry to explore, generate and refine geochemical and foraminiferal morphologic methods for quantifying oxygen/organic carbon availability.
Microfossil Biogeochemistry
Marine microfossils can serve as a geochemical archive of the environments in which they formed their skeletal structures. I am interested in using precise analytical equipment such as Laser Ablation and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry to assess biogeochemical records (d18O, d 13C and a variety of trace elements). In addition to low oxygen environments, I am also especially interested in using these approaches to assess the origin, location, and timing of methane seepage.
Biostratigraphy and Basin Analysis- Microfossils are an excellent biostratigraphic tool that and can also provide valuable information about environmental conditions (e.g., water depth, temperature, etc.) during deposition.
Courses Taught
I am a teacher who is passionate about having students participate in a variety of engaging and hands-on learning activities. I have taught Introductory Geology courses at three Universities and teach the following at OSU. In 2021, I received the College of Arts and Sciences Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award.
- GEOL 1003: The Story of Dinosaurs (non-major, no-science pre-req Undergraduates) This course is targeted at fostering and facilitating critical thinking and scientific literacy through the exploration of Dinosaur research and interpretations.
- GEOL 1224: Evolution of the Earth (for Undergraduate Students)
- GEOL 3103 Paleontology (for Undergraduate Students)
- GEOL 5183: Paleontology of Depositional Sequences (for Graduate Students)
Join Our Lab
I am always interested in talking to students about potential research project. Please contact me directly to inquire about potential funding opportunities.
If you are an OSU undergraduate interested in a research or capstone project come
to see me in 103C of Noble Research Center as soon as you can. I am interested in having these students explore the dynamics
of foraminiferal morphology, ecology and phylogeny to develop key proxies essential
to the interpretations of past oxygen availability. If you are interested in joining
the lab please contact Dr. Burkett directly. Check out the deadlines for the OSU Graduate College.
Lab Calendar
Service and Outreach
I am very interested in outreach and service opportunities in my community. If you an educator interested in having me and my students visit your classroom or event please email me.
Selected Service Outreach Events
- Edible Sedimentary Rocks. Will Rogers Elementary. 2nd Grade. October 2018
- Geology Rocks! The Arboretum at The Pennsylvania State University. June 2017
- Igneous Rocks. The Childcare Center at Hort Woods, Penn State University. March 2017
- Let’s Talk about the Ocean! Talk and live fish viewing and invertebrate touch tank. Vigo County Head Start for children age 3-5. 2015
- ScieGirls panelist at the Terre Haute Children’s Museum event. 2015
- Assisting in the curating of a Mammoth Fossils donated to the Terre Haute Children’s Museum. July-present.
- Science Camp at the Terre Haute Children’s Museum. Talk Title: Diving Deep to Explore the Ocean. July 29th 2015
- Science Camp at Indiana State University. Ocean related topics. July 22nd 2015, 2014, 2013.
- DeVaney Elementary Kindergarten presentation: Oceans and Ocean Creatures. May 27th 2015
- North-Central Section Undergraduate Research Grant reviewer. April 15th 2015, 2014
- Riverine Evolution: Hand-on Activities with Stream Tables. College Challenge Program at Indiana State University. Advanced placement courses for Rockville High School Students. March 9th 2015
- Assessing Water Quality Laboratory. College Challenge Program at Indiana State University. Advanced placement courses for Turkey Run High School Students. February 22nd 2015
- Science Fair Judge. Woodrow Wilson Middle School. February 18. 2015; St. Patrick Elementary. February 2011.
- Stream Table and Wave Erosion Laboratory. College Challenge Program at Indiana State University. Advanced placement courses for Turkey Run High School Students. November 10th 2014.