Sarah Elizabeth Reed

PhD Student

Research Interests

Mima mound-vernal pool ecosystems; bioturbation; geomorphology; GIS

Research Description

Broadly, my research explores the interactions and feedbacks between life and landscape. I am using a combination of remote sensing (LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)), spatial pattern analysis, geomorphic modeling, and biologic monitoring to explore the origins of Mima mound-vernal pool topography in the Great Central Valley of California. I am also passionate about science education and my overall career goal is to cultivate a science-literate, curious and environmentally responsible citizenry.

Selected Publications

Reed, S.E. and R.G. Amundson. 2011. Using LIDAR to model mima mound evolution and regional energy balances in the Great Central Valley, California. in D.L. Johnson, D.N. Johnson, and J.L. Horwath (Editors), Mima Mounds: The Case for Polygenesis and Bioturbation, Geological Society of America Books.

Reed, S. E. and R.G. Amundson. 2007. Sediment, gophers, and time: Hypotheses regarding the origin and persistence of Mima mound vernal pool topography in the Great Valley.” in Proceedings of The Vernal Pool Complexes of the Northstate: Biology, Conservation, and Management Conference. Presented by the Butte Environmental Council, March 23-24, 2006.

Honors and Awards

• Takken Student Research Presentation Travel Award - Association for Women Geoscientists - 2011
• Graduate Research Fellowship - National Science Foundation - 2008
• Student Travel and Registration Grant - National Science Foundation, Studying Earth Surface Processes Using High-Resol. Topo. Data, Workshop - 2008
• 'Best Poster' Award - Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, UCB - 2007
• Graduate Student 'Seed' Award - National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping - 2006
• Graduate Research Environmental Fellowship - Department of Energy - 2006
• Graduate Fellowship - Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, UCB - 2005