Ann Cook uses petrophysics, geophysics, sediment core and mathematical models to understand subseafloor natural gas hydrate systems. She is particularly interested in how to identify and quantify the amount of gas hydrate in the subsurface as well as understanding the factors that control the formation and accumulation of hydrate systems. Her primary field area is the northern Gulf of Mexico, but she has been involved in projects all over the world including offshore India, New Zealand, the Norwegian Sea, the Barents Sea, offshore Australia, the Arctic and the South China Sea. She also uses her skillset to tackle questions in marine geology and carbon sequestration.

Please list your educational history including degrees earned and universities attended. 

Columbia University, New York, N.Y., USA
Department of Earth and Environmental Science
Division of Marine Geology and Geophysics at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO)
2010 - Doctorate of Philosophy
2008 - Master of Philosophy
2006 - Master of Arts

University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Okla., USA
Department of Geosciences
2004 - Bachelor of Science in Geology, Mathematics minor 

Please describe your current research. 

I study frozen methane below the seafloor. You might have seen it before, it looks like ice but you can light it on fire. We find frozen methane below the ocean in sediments all over the world but we have a really poor idea of how much is there - estimates vary over four orders of magnitude. I want to know how much frozen methane there is on Earth, so I can understand how it fits into the carbon cycle.  

In my research, I work on how to find the frozen methane remotely - using what’s called geophysics. I also go out on drill ships and drill and collect samples of frozen methane. I also make physical measurements inside a borehole to understand the characteristics of frozen methane in its natural environment.  I use all of this data to try and understand how frozen methane forms in the sediment and how much is there. 

What undergraduate classes do you teach? 

ES1101 Disaster Movies
ES2000 Earth Science Careers and Thesis
ES4650 Applied Geophysics
ES5687 Borehole Geophysics

Why do you think a student should take these classes and why would they be of interest to students majoring in other disciplines?

Disaster Movies (ES1101) is a new class where I explain the correct and incorrect science in natural disaster movies. Disaster Movies is for everyone – no prior experience needed, in any topic! You also don’t need to be a movie buff – I pick the disaster clips for every class. You just have to enjoy watching people being ridiculous in movies, wondering if anything is true and eating popcorn. 

What aspects of your teaching give you the most satisfaction?

I love it when I feel like students gained new knowledge and curiosity about our world. 

If there are opportunities for undergraduates to connect with you for research, please share what this would be and how students should reach out to you.

All undergraduates in Earth Sciences are involved in research and write a senior thesis with a professor on a project they select as part of the major. This is an awesome opportunity to work with our amazing Earth Science Professors! Our students work on a wide range of topics such as water science, volcanology, geophysics, and paleontology covering every continent on Earth. Come on over to Earth Science if research sounds fun to you!

What advice would you give to undergraduate students? 

I know there is a lot of pressure when you are an undergrad to figure out what you will do with the rest of your life. Here’s the thing: this feeling never ends, you just have to learn how to live with it. There is no moment where you figure it all out. Life is constant decision and change about the future: Where will I live? Do I need a new job? Should we get married? What should I do in this family situation? Do I want kids? Do I want to go back to school? Do I want to spend less time working? More time working? More time traveling? Do I need more money? Do I need more time?

Feel free to stop by my office. 

My door is mostly open all day.  

Learn more about Professor Ann Cook’s work, email and office location on her department web page.