Assistant Professor of Geosciences

Contact Information:
Email: bargow@wellesley.edu
Room: SCI-260
Phone: (781)283-3165
Fax: (781)283-3642

Teaching Interests:
I am very interested in the process of learning, and specifically in how students learn to do science—to think and act as scientists. In my classes, I try to create opportunities for students to experience what scientists actually do so they may construct their own cognitive framework to better understand the "facts" which are the results of scientific inquiry. We also emphasize the connection between geology and 'real life,' and what the scientific process has to offer to society at large. Students participate in research or research-like experiences at all levels of the curriculum. My teaching style emphasizes student participation in the learning process by employing techniques such as jigsaw, think-pair-share, inquiry, and reflection points. Students are assessed using a variety of methods appropriate to each class, including take-home and in-class essays, group and individual presentations, short and long projects (group and individual) and more traditional written or oral exams. By using several different assessment tools in each class, I try to offer students the opportunity to communicate what they have learned in many different ways to capitalize on each student’s individual strengths and to help her address any weaknesses. Writing is a large component of each course grade, and exercises are designed to help students learn to write scientifically: accurately, effectively, and using concise and precise prose.

I am also invested in contributing to the ongoing revolution in K-12 science education, and am involved with various in-service teacher training and teacher preparation programs. I welcome students from all backgrounds and interests, and particularly encourage students who may choose to enter the field of Education to take any of my courses, as well as students who would like to explore how the study of science can contribute to addressing many critical issues facing our global society today.

Research Interests:
As a classically trained, field-based sedimentologist, my particular interests lie in coastal systems. I use multiple methods including real-time, in-situ monitoring of sedimentation processes and hydrodynamics, analysis of remotely-sensed data, petrography, grain size analysis, sediment core analyses, stratigraphy, and sediment elevation tables. I supplement traditional sedimentology practices with techniques and tools from the fields of geomorphology, geography, fluid dynamics, geochemistry, geophysics and ecology.

My research philosophy includes three primary elements: reliance on empirical methodology, incorporation and adaptation of new technology, and student and community involvement in ongoing, applied research projects. First, I am most excited by research problems that are field-based and are initially driven by empirical observation and experimentations. New methods of data collection, generation and analysis, such as LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), numerical modeling, and GIS (Geographical Information System), are increasingly useful tools for understanding and informing physical data.

Geology as a science is unique in that it is tied to the concept of 'place'—a real-world, spatially defined location. Therefore my research relies in part on consistently documenting and analyzing physical and remotely-sensed data using GIS technology, identifying field positions accurately using DGPS to facilitate spatial analysis on multiple scales and in multiple dimensions. I believe this step is necessary if we are to successfully develop meaningful 3-d numerical models to better understand complex modern processes, without losing the essential spatial relativity of physical relationships.

I am most energized by projects that have a degree of applicability in the modern world in addition to abstract theoretical goals. Not only do I enjoy the big-picture aspects of this research, but I've found that non-scientists are more easily engaged by studies with personal relevance. Coastal science lends itself well to community and student involvement, as do the empirical techniques of my research. This allows me to work towards my personal goal of contributing to a more scientifically literate society through an active and engaging program of research.

Ongoing Projects

• Seasonal variation in sedimentation processes on New England salt marshes
• Climate change and coastal evolution
• Application of LIDAR technology to coastal systems
• Pocket beach processes on Vieques, P.R.
• Outreach and public education about coastal hazards and climate change

Publications
FitzGerald, D.M., Fenster, M.S., Argow, B.A. and Buynevich, I.V., 2008. Coastal Impacts Due to Sea-Level Rise. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 36(1).
One-time download of pdf available courtesy of Annual Reviews here.

Argow, B.A., 2007. Geomorphology. In: M. Dionne, C. Dalton and H. Wilhelm (Editors), Site Profile of the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Wells, ME, pp. 15-28.

Argow, B.A., 2007. Origin and Evolution of the Estuary. In: M. Dionne, C. Dalton and H. Wilhelm (Editors), Site Profile of the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Wells, ME, pp. 205-220.

Argow, B.A., Hughes, Z.J. and FitzGerald, D.M., 2007. Ice raft formation, dispersion and sedimentation on New England salt marshes. In: N.C. Kraus and J.D. Rosati (Editors), Coastal Sediments '07: Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on Coastal Engineering and Science of Coastal Sediment Processes. American Society of Civil Engineers, New Orleans, LA, USA, 1: 798-813.

Argow, B.A. and FitzGerald, D.M., 2006, Winter processes on northern salt marshes: evaluating the impact of in-situ peat compaction due to ice loading, Wells, ME. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 69 (3-4), 309-438.

FitzGerald, D.M., Buynevich, I.V., and Argow, B.A., 2006, Model of tidal inlet and barrier island dynamics in a regime of accelerated sea-level rise. Journal of Coastal Research (in press).