Research

I enjoy making the invisible visible: exposing the very different origins of two mineral grains which look identical to the naked eye, or revealing intricate compositional patterns hidden within the plain white inside of a coral reef.

That this can also reveal information of real importance about the environment, past climates, or the formation of the Earth itself is even better.

Micro-scale images and geochemical maps of natural materials are inherently fascinating, but I also like to make the derived data and visualisations as intuitive and good-looking as I can.

Methods & analytical experience

Microanalytical methods and instrumentation

  • High-resolution LA-ICP-MS for major and trace element analysis, including mapping
  • Laser ablation multi-collector ICP-MS and tandem mass spectrometry for in-situ isotopic systems (Pb isotopes and Rb/Sr geochronology)
  • Scanning electron microscopy (BSE imaging, EDS compositional screening)
  • Sample preparation for microanalysis, including picking, embedding, and polishing

Software and data analysis

Publications

Talks