Nancy Ross

Nancy L. Ross is a Professor of Mineralogy at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech), affiliated with the Department of Geosciences within the College of Science. Her research focuses on understanding mineral stability under high-pressure conditions in Earth's interior, employing theoretical modeling alongside experimental techniques such as X-ray and neutron diffraction, spectroscopy, and high-pressure experimentation. She holds a Ph.D. from Arizona State University (1985), an M.Sc. from the University of British Columbia (1981), and a B.Sc. from Virginia Tech (1979).

Her work integrates atomistic factors with mineral stability, addressing fundamental questions in mineral physics. Techniques include piston cylinder apparatus experiments and analysis via Electron Probe Micro Analyzers (EPMA). Notably, she received the 2024 Roebling Medal from the Mineralogical Society of America for her contributions.

Her research spans high-pressure mineral behavior (e.g., xenotime, rare-earth phosphates), framework materials, and the thermodynamic properties of nanoparticles. She also explores sociocultural topics like Mormon religious practices and social work policy, though these appear peripheral to her primary geoscience focus. Collaborative efforts involve neutron scattering and crystallography, contributing to advancements in Earth science methodologies.