Planetary Geochemist – Experimental Petrologist – Laboratory Spectroscopist
I am a planetary geochemist with a spectroscopist twist interested in the formation and evolution of airless rocky bodies in the early solar system (Mercury, meteorites, and asteroids).
My work combines experimental petrology with studies of meteorites (enstatite chondrites, carbonaceous chondrites, aubrites, winonaites, and IAB irons), using various analytical geochemical and mineralogical techniques. I also frequently visit the synchrotron facility Argonne National lab for beamtime research. I use all these tools to understand the chemical behavior of planetary materials at depth and at the surface, with a particular focus on the behavior of volatiles (S, C, F, Cl, and H2O).
Outside of research, my multicultural identity as a Filipino-Indian American born to parents who immigrated to the U.S. has encouraged my passion for working toward greater diversity and inclusion in the geosciences. Geoscience remains one of the least diverse fields in STEM, but with continued dedication from more and more people, I believe we can make a big difference.
Traveling
Earth is a planet too- great for traveling to new places and trying local cuisine! I’ve visited over half the states and 11 countries so far.
Sports
I enjoy playing and watching most sports (raised in MA so Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, and Boston Red Sox)! I grew up enjoying soccer and running. Now I’m also involved with basketball, tennis, and cycling.
Reading
When I’m not reading for work, I like to immerse myself in science fiction (e.g. Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series and N. K. Jemison’s Broken Earth trilogy), fantasy (e.g. J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth books), and theology (e.g. Saint Augustine’s Confessions).
“Reading is the key that opens doors to many good things in life. Reading shaped my dreams, and more reading helped me make my dreams come true.” ~Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]