His research focuses on basin-scale hydrogeology to understand overpressure development, slope stability, gas hydrates, and unconventional freshwater resources. Brandon has a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering from the University of Minnesota and a doctorate in geosciences from Penn State University. As a Mendenhall postdoctoral fellow at the USGS, Brandon studied natural gas hydrates and shallow water flows. Brandon started his appointment at Rice University in January 2005 where he works with undergraduate and graduate students studying marine geotechnical problems using field programs, laboratory experiments, and theory.