New Faculty: Dr. Derrick Vaughn

Tell us a little about your latest research.

I study carbon cycling in a variety of ecosystems along the land-sea continuum, with an emphasis on coastal wetland carbon. As part of my work in coastal vegetated ecosystems (e.g. mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass meadows), I’ve developed a global network that aims to improve our knowledge on how much carbon is being stored in these ecosystems. This becomes increasingly important as a variety of stakeholders, including Federal and State agencies, as well as private non-governmental organizations (NGOs), are recognizing the carbon-sink potential of coastal wetlands and would need the data products from this network to inform coastal wetland protection and restoration efforts.

What goals/plans do you have for this job?

I’m excited to start my own biogeochemistry lab and have plans to grow my current coastal carbon work as well as expanding my interests to other ecosystems, including polar and alpine. Much of my current work involves the use of radiocarbon as a dating tool for sediments and soils, and I plan to expand my use of radiocarbon in the coming years with respect to thermal and chemical stability of organic matter.

What kind of music do you like?

I like all kinds of music, but I tend to gravitate more towards 70s/80s music.

Besides working at USU Geo, what is something you are excited to do in Utah?

I’m excited for all of the future adventures with my dogs! They both love to hike, but they have yet to experience hikes beyond the east coast.

What is your favorite food?

Pizza! Living in New Haven (recently named the pizza capitol of the US) for the past couple of years, I have probably eaten more pizza than I had in my first 30-some years of life. Since I’m an avid baker, I’m also a big fan of desserts.

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?

I like to spend time outside with my dogs or trying new dessert recipes. I often bring in baked goods for my lab mates so expect to see some baked goods in the geosciences department!

What is your favorite rock/mineral?

My favorite rock is probably limestone but not just because I’m a biogeochemist with an interest in alkalinity. I really like seeing fossils (particularly marine!) preserved in limestone slabs.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

My door will always be open to anyone who is looking to join my lab or just to chat! And we don’t just have to chat about science. On a past visit during my housing search, Sharan, Audrey, and I had a conversation at dinner about longest-running television cartoons (don’t count out Scooby-Doo!).