My current research focuses on the mechanisms of growth of secondary garnets (grossular and andradite) found in a particular type of meteorite (CV3 carbonaceous chondrite) that formed and was altered within the first 10, 000 years of solar system history. I am utilizing geochemical data such as REE behavior in the garnets to better constrain and understand the role of fluids in the formation of these garnets and on asteroidal parent bodies. Aspects of this work include studying terrestrial skarn garnets (andradite and grossular) in New Mexico and New York as potential analogs for the garnets in the chondrites as it is hypothesized that the terrestrial and meteorite garnets may have formed via similar processes (i.e., metasomatism/hydrothermal alteration).  

My research interests include: Meteoritics with specific emphasis on carbonaceous chondrite alteration histories, metamorphic petrology, mineralogical studies of garnets, early solar system formation and evolution, science education and pedagogy (with emphasis on geology and astronomy), and the classification and observations of variable stars. 

Advisor: Dr. Adrian Brearley