Dr. Serpa’s primary research interest is to understand the processes that shape the earth at all levels. To that end, she has conducted geophysical research ranging from deep seismic reflection and potential field studies of the crustal evolution of Death Valley, CA to the search for unmarked graves in southern Louisiana using Ground Penetrating Radar and potential field methods. She is developing a research program in archeological geophysics and maintaining her long term interests in tectonics.

In addition to her scientific research interests, Dr. Serpa is working to increase diversity and eliminate barriers for any group in the sciences. To that end, she is working with K-12 teachers to help them interest and prepare students for college science majors and she is working with 7-12 grade minority students to promote their interest in geoscience. Most recently, she has been studying ways to apply scientific research to education. The education research and outreach and the academic research have been funded from a variety of sources throughout the past 20 years.

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