​Nicholas R. Patton, PhD
 
Postdoctoral Researcher
Soil Science, Quaternary Geology, and Geomorphology

​Idaho State University
About me
I am a watershed/coastal scientist who is interested in the complex interaction between biotic and abiotic processes that drive landscape, climate, and ecosystem evolution. I am currently working at Idaho State University on the CZNet Geomicrobiology Project where I am evaluating mineral associated 'heavy fraction' and microbial associated 'light fraction' of organic matter across landscapes and soil profiles.
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​I worked with research groups such as the British Geological Survey (BGS), Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Desert Research Institute's Integrated Terrain Analysis Program (ITAP), Critical Zone Observatories (CZO), Center for Ecological Research and Education (CERE), Center of Archaeological Materials and Applied Spectroscopy (CAMAS), and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a suite of multifaceted projects. Working with such diverse groups, my work tends to be at the interface of many scientific disciplines which has motivated me to become a voice for the scientific community and an advocate of science literacy and communication.
Doctorates of Philosophy (2020-2022)
  • Major: Geology
  • Focus: Geomorphology, landscape evolution, GIS, and geochronology 
  • Thesis Topic: Landscape evolution of the south east Queensland dunefields
  • Advisers: Dr. Jamie Shulmeister, Dr. Peter Almond,  Dr. Tim Stahl, and Dr. Tammy Rittenour
  • Committee Members: Dr. Kevin Welsh, Dr. Melanie Leng, and Dr. Matthew, Jones 
Picture
https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/
Doctorates of Philosophy (2018-2020) ~ Transferred
  • Major: Geology
  • Focus: Hydrology, stable isotopes, lake sediments, and biogeochemistry
  • Thesis Topic: Reconstructing climate variability in sub-tropical Australia
  • ​Advisers: Dr. Jamie Shulmeister, Dr. Kevin Welsh, Dr. Melanie Leng, and Dr. Matt Jones
Picture
http://uq.edu.au/
Masters of Science (2014-2016)
  • Major: Geology
  • Focus: Soil science, biogeochemistry, geomorphology, GIS, and spatial statistics
  • Thesis Topic: Modelling thickness of mobile regolith and SOC /nitrogen stocks 
  • Adviser: Dr. Kathleen Lohse
  • Committee Members: Dr. Mark Seyfried, Dr. Sarah Godsey, and Dr. Benjamin Crosby
Picture
https://www.isu.edu/
Bachelors of Science (2010-2013)
  • Double Major:  Chemistry and Geology
  • Focus: Hydrology, environmental chemistry, and aqueous chemistry
  • Thesis Topic: Aqueous chemistry and flow paths within streams and wetlands
  • Advisers: Dr. Min Li and Dr. Kyle Fredrick
Picture
https://www.calu.edu/
Last edited 9 July, 2024