Geochemistry

My principal research interests orbit around in-stu geochemistry (and petrology) of mafic and ultramafic rocks, particularly focussing on understanding the composition of the Earth's Mantle, using pieces of it (xenoliths) brought up to the Earth's surface by volcanic eruptions (kimberlitic or basaltic magmas) or large "faults" related to plate tectonics (e.g. mid-oceanic ridges, ophiolites). This research also involves the development of novel analytical techniques using laser ablation systems and state-of-the-art mass-spectrometers (MC-ICP-MS) capable to measure isotopic distribution of chemical elements (e.g. Sr, Os).

Geochronology

A second part of my research revolves around the use of (mainly) U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopes in zircons to date the age of rocks and geological events, as old as ca. 4.5 giga years (Ga) and as young as a few million years.

Cloud-based Database

I am also deeply involved in the development of the cloud-based the AuScope collaborative platform EarthBank, for  the express purpose of preserving, disseminating, and collating geochronology, geochemical and isotopic data. This fully relational data platform was developed to simultaneously serve as a geosample registry, data repository and a data analysis tool.