Amy Hagen
PhD Candidate
Contact
Hi! I'm Amy, a PhD candidate at Virginia Tech studying sedimentary geochemistry. My research focuses on reconstructing ocean conditions during past intervals of climatic or biotic change. I'm interested in understanding how the ocean reacted to different climate forcings and how the effects may have impacted organisms. I hope to become a professor so that I can continue pursuing my research and teach the next generation of geoscientists. I expect to graduate in December 2025 or May 2026 and am looking for postdoc/faculty opportunities!
Big Questions
How did the chemistry of past environments influence the evolution of life on local and global scales?
Environmental conditions influence organisms, and vice versa. I use geochemical proxies to probe causes of biotic change, focusing on extinction events and/or climate perturbations. This has included carbon and oxygen isotopes, I/Ca, iron speciation, nitrogen isotopes, phosphorus, major and trace elements, and mercury.
A guiding tenet of my research is the idea that studying the Earth system at multiple different points throughout its history provides a deeper perspective than a single snapshot can provide. Thus, my research projects range from the Cambrian to the Triassic-Jurassic boundary to the Pleistocene.
How does the rock record limit or augment what we are able to interpret from past environments?
Given that every method for probing past ocean conditions is only a proxy, there are always limitations in using these tools. I seek to understand processes that preserve and alter geochemical signals through proxy development studies and detailed sedimentology.
What is the impact of communicating geoscience research to the public, and what are the best practices for effective science communication?
Knowledge is most impactful when shared with others. I believe that accessible communication to the public is critical for geoscientists to impact society and to inspire future participation in geosciences. My research involves not only designing and implementing science outreach programs, but critically evaluating their outcomes.
Environmental conditions influence organisms, and vice versa. I use geochemical proxies to probe causes of biotic change, focusing on extinction events and/or climate perturbations. This has included carbon and oxygen isotopes, I/Ca, iron speciation, nitrogen isotopes, phosphorus, major and trace elements, and mercury.
A guiding tenet of my research is the idea that studying the Earth system at multiple different points throughout its history provides a deeper perspective than a single snapshot can provide. Thus, my research projects range from the Cambrian to the Triassic-Jurassic boundary to the Pleistocene.
How does the rock record limit or augment what we are able to interpret from past environments?
Given that every method for probing past ocean conditions is only a proxy, there are always limitations in using these tools. I seek to understand processes that preserve and alter geochemical signals through proxy development studies and detailed sedimentology.
What is the impact of communicating geoscience research to the public, and what are the best practices for effective science communication?
Knowledge is most impactful when shared with others. I believe that accessible communication to the public is critical for geoscientists to impact society and to inspire future participation in geosciences. My research involves not only designing and implementing science outreach programs, but critically evaluating their outcomes.
Background
I was raised in southern Maryland and moved to Massachusetts to pursue my bachelor's degree at Smith College. While at Smith, I did undergraduate research as well as varsity volleyball and rowing. In my free time, I still enjoy playing sports as well as crocheting, playing the violin, and hiking.