While the subfields of geology are vast, Travis Swanson, Ph.D., has a passion for Geomorphology

While the subfields of geology are vast, Travis Swanson, Ph.D., has a passion for geomorphology. (Don’t know what that is? It’s okay; we didn’t either) Swanson’s research looks at the change or evolution of modern environments, such as desert dune fields or rivers, and focuses on the way those environments are changing and why they are changing through a physical framework. Through lab work, field work and simulations, Swanson can tell you intricate information about sediment (aka dirt, but not just exclusively dirt).

But what does it all mean? Why does that matter to me? The work Swanson is doing provides and fuels actionable knowledge. This research can be used to determine if changes could or should be made to reverse or change effects on modern environments. As Swanson simplifies his work to “simple tools to forecast change,” he says when it comes to the question “Who cares?” about his research, hopefully we all do. Change to our modern environments may be gradual, but the tortoise still finishes the race (if you catch what we are saying).