Dax Soule

I am a field-oriented geophysicist with a broad educational background in solid earth geophysics, oceanography, cloud computing and STEM education. My research has explored off-axis crustal thickness variations and lower crustal velocities using Moho reflections, the results of which have naturally led to questions about variations in the reflective characteristics of the Moho, the nature of the interface beneath the rise axis, and the material properties of the lower crust. I currently have an NSF funded project titled “The Tectonic and Magmatic Structure and Dynamics of Back-arc Rifting in Bransfield Strait - An International Seismic Experiment” in which I am exploring the the Bransfield Strait using active and passive source seismology, gravity and magnetics.

I am also currently developing machine learning applications to better understand how hydrological and microbial processes are linked to magmatic and tectonic processes in at Axial Seamount. Projects include plans to (1) extend our examination of the effect of temperature, pressure, seismicity and diffuse fluid flow on flocculation events at Axial Seamount and (2) study the relationship between post- 2015 eruption deformation and seismicity rates since the 2015 eruption at Axial Seamount using OOI data.

As an educator, I am currently developing curricula for the NSF funded “Hispanic Serving Institutions–STEM Bridges Across Eastern Queens,” which is redesigning introductory STEM courses to better “land” students from diverse backgrounds into the geosciences through the use of active learning pedagogy. I am also a Principal Investigator for proposal titled "Environmental Data-Driven Inquiry and Exploration (EDDIE): Using large datasets to build quantitative skills" for the NSF Improving Undergraduate STEM Education program. We are working to create an “easy on-ramp” to teaching quantitative skills for instructors paired with a community effort to understand barriers and solutions for the implementation of effective pedagogy.

As a teacher, I am committed to the core tenants of communication, student-centered learning, and positivity. I strive to create a supportive environment that fosters student confidence and achievement by communicating the learning objectives for each lesson, frequently evaluating mastery of these objectives and misconceptions, and developing the students’ understanding of how the tasks will help them accomplish their goals. I feel that this gives them ownership of the process. I have made a habit of stating key points in multiple ways, recognizing that students have different learning styles, and embracing my job to work with them to discover how they can best achieve the learning objectives. I position myself as a facilitator rather than the gate-keeper of knowledge.

• GEOL 101: Physical Geology
• GEOL 102: Historical Geology
• ENSCI 100: Our Planet in the 21st Century

Soule, D., Darner Gougis, R., O’Reilly, C. M., Bader, N. E., Meixner, T., Gibson, C. A., McDuff, R. E. (2018), EDDIE modules are effective learning tools for developing quantitative literacy and seismological understanding, J. Geo. Ed., 1-12.

O’Reilly, C.M., R. Darner Gougis, J.L. Klug, C.C. Carey, D.C. Richardson, N.E. Bader, D. Soule, D. Castendyk, T. Meixner, J.F. Stomberg, K.C. Weathers, and W. Hunter (2017), Using large datasets for open-ended inquiry in undergraduate classrooms. Bioscience, 12 (2017): 1052-1061.

Soule, D., W. S. D. Wilcock, D. R. Toomey, E. E. E. Hooft, and R. T. Weekly (2016), Near-axis crustal structure and thickness of the Endeavour Segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge, Geophys. Res. Lett., 43, doi:10.1002/2016GL068182

Bader, N. E., D. C. Soule, D. Castendyk, T. Meixner, C. O’Reilly, and R. D. Gougis (2016), “Students, meet data”, Eos, 97, doi:10.1029/2016EO047175

Soule, D. C. and W. S. D. Wilcock (2013), “Fin whale tracks recorded by a seismic network on the Juan de Fuca Ridge, Northeast Pacific Ocean”, J. Acoust. Soc. Am., doi:10.1121/1.4774275

Weirathmueller, M. J., W. S. D. Wilcock and D. C. Soule (2012), “Source levels of fin whale 20 Hz pulses measured in the Northeast Pacific Ocean”, J. Acoust. Soc. Am., doi:10.1121/1.4773277