Clays and clay minerals are the most abundant reactive solids on the Earth's surface. Understanding clays minerals involves the detailed crystal-chemical characterization of their structure, particularly as they are found associated in the critical zone, which includes near surface weathering, diagenetic, and hydrothermal geologic environments. Clay minerals often interact with biological systems, which then allow them to proxy the record of environmental change throughout Earth history and perhaps in extraterrestrial environments. The research carried out in my group has involved the study of these fine grain particles using NMR spectroscopy, Fourier transform IR and Raman spectroscopy, radiogenic, cosmogenic, and stable isotopes, chemical and thermal analyses, and X-ray and electron diffraction.
Education
Research
Clays and clay minerals are nature's most common nano-material. The study of both natural and synthetic nano-composites made up of clays and organics offers great promise for the discovery of new materials for use in medical, pharmaceutical, and material industries. Knowledge of clays is essential for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon energy, particularly in terms of benefiting the environment.
A complete grant support list can be found in CV.
Selected Publications
Complete publications are listed here.
Awards, Honors and Recognitions
- Book: Clays in the Critical Zone (2018), Cambridge University Press
- Critical Zone Science
- Past visiting TUBITAK Scholar Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Mines
- Critical Zone Networks (CZEN) **** Critical Zone Observatories (CZO)
- Past-Director - Georgia Electron Microscopy Lab (formally: Center for Advanced Ultrastructrual Research)
- Past-Treasurer and Past-President of The Clay Minerals Society
