I am a mineralogist and materials scientist doing physical chemistry in extreme environments. Extremes may include high pressure or temperature, low temperature, radiation, and combinations found throughout the solar system. Applications span geophysical, planetary, chemical and materials sciences. I specialize in hydrogen bonding and am interested in the role of minerals in cycling biocritical elements (like C, O, H, and N) in the Earth. The conditions found deep in planets are rich for discovery of new compounds with functional properties, such as novel intermetallic compounds or superhard materials for operation in extreme environments. I am currently involved in a study on electrodeposition of carbonates in marine soils and PI of a cooperative agreement with NASA/MSFC and industry for development of off-world construction technology from regolith on the lunar south pole.
keywords
high-pressure mineralogy and materials science, properties of materials in extreme environments, mineral physics
GEOL 2005 - Introduction to Earth Materials
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Provides introduction to the classification, composition and properties of the materials that compose the Earth, how these materials are studied, and how they are used to interpret Earth history and processes. Required for the Earth Science major. Formerly GEOL 2005.
GEOL 3010 - Introduction to Mineralogy
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Covers origin, occurrence, identification, classification, and uses of minerals with emphasis on applications of mineralogy to economic geology and petrology. Two lectures and one lab per week. Formerly GEOL 3010.
