Dr. Nathaniel Lifton

Professor

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Biography

Nathaniel Lifton is a professor and associate head in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University. His research focuses on developing methods using in situ cosmogenic nuclides (CNs) to derive surface exposure ages and erosion rates in process-oriented geomorphic studies. He has developed reliable methods for extracting in situ cosmogenic 14C from quartz and continues to advance techniques for using in situ 14C to calibrate variations in cosmogenic nuclide production rates based on altitude and latitude. His work investigates the effects of millennial-scale geomagnetic variability on cosmogenic nuclide production rates over time and space. Lifton applies in situ 14C in conjunction with long-lived CNs such as 10Be, 26Al, and 36Cl to study complex exposure scenarios, particularly involving glacial advances and retreats. He has held several academic positions, including assistant professor at Purdue University and associate research scientist at the University of Arizona.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2010-01-01 — Present

Purdue University • West Lafayette, IN

Teaching and research position focusing on geosciences.

Associate Research Scientist

2002-01-01 — 2010-01-01

University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

Conducted research at the NSF-Arizona Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Facility.

Research Associate

1997-01-01 — 2002-01-01

University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

Worked at the NSF-Arizona Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Facility.

Research Assistant

1990-01-01 — 1997-01-01

University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

Assisted in research projects within the Department of Geosciences.

Geologist

1985-01-01 — 1990-01-01

Dames & Moore • Santa Barbara, CA, Irvine, CA, Tucson, AZ

Conducted geological assessments and provided consultancy services.

Requirements for Purdue University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:135
Overall
Required:135
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in CS or related field Foundational concepts of computer science Data structures Computer architecture Operating systems Mathematics through differential equations Linear and matrix algebra
Application Checklist
  • Official Transcripts
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Resume
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • CS Supplementary Form
Specialization Notes

GRE is not required.