Geology Colloquium | Censullo and Cosgrove Present Their Research, Oct. 18

Shaolin Censullo

The Geological Sciences Colloquium Series presents Shaolin Censullo and Rex Cosgrove, Geological Sciences graduate students discussing their research on Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. in Clippinger 205.

Censullo presents “Did alternating dispersal and vicariance drive biodiversity increase during the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event? A phylogenetic test using brachiopods.”

Abstract: During theGOBE, life diversified significantly at lower taxonomic levels for the first time in life’s history. This grand diversification has been correlated with large scale environmental changes. However, speciation occurs via reproductive and genetic isolation for a prolonged period of time, and using phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses of key Ordovician brachiopod species we can determine what processes could have provided the geographic isolation required for speciation to occur.

Rex Cosgrove

Cosgrove presents “Optimization and Analysis of the Effects of Temperature, pH, and Injection Techniques on a Slow-Release Permanganate Gel for DNAPL Remediation.”

Abstract: Long gelation times and long release times are desirable in a slow-release sol-gel to remove a larger volume of industrial contamination. Small batch and sand column tests show that pH is indeed an effective method of extending gelation times, providing increased efficiency for the remediation method.

Upcoming Colloquia

Ryan Wolbert of Ohio Univerity Geological Sciences on “Effective remediation approach for improving acid mine drainage conditions using slow release hydrogen peroxide systems” and Ian Forsythe of Ohio University Geological Sciences on “Deliniating Species of Rafinesquina in the Type Cincinnatian: A Morphometric Approach” on Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. in Clippinger 205.

David Young of Ohio University Geological Sciences on “Stopping Plate Tectonics: the Caledonian Collision in Scandinavia” on Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. in Clippinger 205.

Xizhen Schenk of Ohio University Geological Sciences on “Balancing Climate and Land Use Changes with Limited Groundwater Resources of a Paleokarst Aquifer System” on Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. in Clippinger 205.