My research focuses on the tectonic evolution of continental margins, and on developing geochronologic tools to study tectonic processes. Current field-oriented research projects include studies of the:tectonic evolution of western North America, including processes of terrane accretion, subduction-related magmatism, sediment dispersal and accumulation, and translation of crustal fragments along the continental margin patterns of sediment generation, dispersal, and accumulation in the interior of North America, from the Archean to the present evolution of the Himalaya-Tibet Plateau orogenic system, especially the role of Paleozoic tectonism in setting the stage for orogenic processes related to India-Asia collision Paleozoic through present-day evolution of the Andean margin of South America Geochronologic research is conducted in the Arizona LaserChron Center, which is funded by the National Science Foundation to serve as a national center for geochronologic research. The ALC includes a LA-SC-ICPMS system that is dedicated to U-Th-Pb geochronology/thermochronology, a LA-MC-ICPMS system that is used mainly for Hf isotope geochemistry, and a Scanning Electron microscope for imaging and chemical analysis. My role is to oversee day-to-day operation of the ALC, assist visiting researchers with acquisition and interpretation of data, and heldrive the development of new geochronologic methods and applications. Information about the ALC is available at https:sites.google.com/laserchron.org/arizonalaserchroncenter/home.