Ruth Aronoff

Projects in my lab & classroom

Current Projects

The tectonic evolution of North America in the Proterozoic

Goal: to use the formation of North America as a case study in how the planet forms, modifies, and stabilizes continental crust. Our group focuses on the arrangement of tectonic plate boundaries in the Mesoproterozoic Era.

Highlight: we had a successful summer field season in 2024! Furman students, collaborators, and I collected samples in southern Colorado.

What’s next? I’m seeking collaborators for future projects about convergent margin tectonics. I’m excited to continue to discover how convergent margins create and modify continental lithosphere, including in the Proterozoic, Phanerozoic, and in active systems.

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Energy production and consumption in a low-carbon future

Goal: What will our global energy system look like when we better align the resources we consume, energy distribution infrastructure, and our diverse energy needs? Our current energy system is poorly balanced, but by mitigating threats from climate change, we also have the opportunity to create more sustainable energy systems.

Highlight: In my sustainable energy class, Furman students create plans for Greenville County’s energy production and consumption, looking decades in the future. Students meet with local businesses, energy providers, and city offices to learn more about our regional systems and stakeholders.

What’s next? Student communication projects allow them to share ideas directly with community members. Are you a Furman student or a Greenville business interested in sustainable energy? I’m always looking for new projects!