My research is focused on the big influence that nanofeatures have on the evolution of our planet.  I combine fieldwork, petrology, and nano-geochemisty to investigate a range of questions ranging from ore geology, to cosmochemistry, to metamorphic petrology.

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My main research lies in 'invisible metals,' both in the form of primary metal deposits (i.e. Carlin type gold) as well as in historic mine waste. In Carlin deposits gold can't be seen, even with high powered microscope, but is instead trapped in pyrite (aka fools gold).  We are also realizing that pyrite and other sulfide minerals are important sources of technology critical metals. 

 

Historically, these sulfide minerals were underappreciated, and were discarded on waste rock piles were they are undergoing weathering and leading to acid mine drainage. By re-mining these waste rock piles we would not only winning much needed critical metals, but also remediating these contaminated mine sites.

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My group and I use a variety of nanoanalytical techniques (specializing in atom probe tomography; APT) to figure out how and why these important minerals are able to contain such an amount and variety of important metals, and the hazards that they represent when present in mine waste. 

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I currently am involved in projects looking at 'invisible metals' in North America (Nevada and Yukon Territory), SW China, N Africa, Sweden, and Austria.

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Additionally, I am interested in ultra-high pressure and temperature metamorphism, specifically how microstructural clues can tell us the story of how these rocks returned to the surface.

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My favorite mineral is quartz and my favorite rock is eclogite. 

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Don't hesitate to get in contact if you have any general question about APT, sulfide minerals, mine waste, or UHP-T rocks.