Robert M. Weikle, II is a Professor in the Charles L. Brown Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Virginia, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Physics. He earned his B.S. from Rice University (1986), M.S. (1987), and Ph.D. (1992) in Electrical Engineering from Caltech, followed by postdoctoral work at Chalmers University of Technology (1992). His research focuses on millimeter-wave and terahertz electronics , applied electromagnetics, integrated antennas, low-noise sensors, and heterogeneous integration of compound semiconductors. His work bridges electronics and photonics for spectrum access, with applications in astronomy, spectroscopy, and metrology. He has published extensively on micromachined silicon substrates, superconducting materials, and emerging technologies. Scientific Awards: IEEE Microwave Prize (1993) David A. Harrison III Award (1999) University of Virginia All-University Outstanding Teaching Award (2000) Edlich-Henderson Innovator of the Year (2016) Fulbright Scholar (2001) As Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Dominion Microprobes, Inc., he commercializes micromachined wafer probes for high-frequency metrology. His lab, located in E220 Thornton Hall and the Jesse W. Beams Physics Building, has produced 15+ recent publications on submillimeter-wave devices, THz probes, and calibration techniques.
David A. Foster is a Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Florida, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research integrates thermochronology, structural geology, and petrology to investigate tectonic and magmatic processes, with a recent focus on enhanced weathering of basaltic rocks for carbon sequestration. He leads the Thermochronology Lab, providing analytical services for mineral separation, Ar/Ar dating, and thermal modeling. Research interests span: Tectonics & Geodynamics : Orogenic collapse, terrane accretion, and supercontinent cycles. Thermochronology : Application of temperature-sensitive isotopic systems to crustal evolution. Surface Processes : Links between tectonic uplift, erosion, and carbon capture via rock weathering. His publications emphasize regional tectonics (e.g., Andes, Appalachians, Cordillera), utilizing geochronology, isotope geochemistry, and structural analysis. Recent work explores collisional orogens, basin provenance, and magmatic arcs, with recurring themes of extensional collapse and paleogeographic reconstructions. Educational contributions include co-authoring the comprehensive textbook Geology of National Parks , now in its 8th edition, which synthesizes geological features of U.S. national parks in the context of plate tectonics and landscape formation.
Alan Rooney is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences at Yale University, affiliated with the Yale School of Arts and Sciences. He leads the Rooney Geochronology and Geochemistry Group, which is part of the Yale Metal Geochemistry Center. His research integrates radiogenic isotope geochemistry (e.g., Re-Os, Sr, Nd) with field-based methods like sedimentology and stratigraphy to investigate tectonic, climatic, and biologic transitions in Earth history. Current projects include refining Neoproterozoic chronology, studying Mid-Pleistocene ice sheet dynamics, and advancing EARTHTIME’s Re-Os geochronometer standards. His research interests are centered on three main areas: 1) Proterozoic tectonics and eukaryotic diversification, 2) ice sheet dynamics over the last 5 million years using multiple geochemical proxies, and 3) radiogenic isotopes as tracers of crustal-mantle processes. He collaborates with researchers at Dartmouth College, Oxford University, and other institutions to address these topics. The Rooney Lab emphasizes experimental approaches, such as simulating seafloor weathering of mafic rocks, to better understand isotopic fluxes into the sedimentary record. His articles highlight a focus on geochronology and isotopic analysis to unravel climate-tectonic interactions, with recent work emphasizing the Great Oxidation Event, Ediacaran biogeochemical shifts, and Mid-Pleistocene glacial variability. These studies often combine field observations with laboratory experiments to deconvolve complex Earth system processes. Dr. Rooney has no listed scientific awards. He advises three graduate students: Gryphen Goss, Sam Shipman, and Carey Ciaburri. The lab’s NSF-funded involvement in EARTHTIME underscores its commitment to advancing geochronological standards. The Rooney Geochronology Lab operates within ultra-clean facilities equipped with advanced mass spectrometers (e.g., Thermo Fisher Neptune-Plus MC-ICP-MS, Triton-Plus TIMS), adjacent to the Microprobe Facility’s electron microprobe resources, enabling precise geochemical and petrological analyses.
Eleanor Jennings is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Natural Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London. Her research focuses on Earth's origin and evolution, employing geochemical methods to study planetary differentiation processes. She investigates trace element partitioning between liquid metals and silicates under high pressure, ferropicrite magma origins, and igneous fractionation processes using mineral inclusions. Jennings teaches courses such as Planetary Interiors, Planetary Materials, and Volcanism in the Solar System. Her work integrates experimental petrology, thermodynamic modeling, and analytical techniques to explore core-mantle interactions, mantle melting dynamics, and extraterrestrial materials (e.g., lunar samples). She supervises three doctoral researchers at Birkbeck, focusing on topics like mantle heterogeneity and planetary geochemistry. Jennings' publications span experimental studies on metal-silicate partitioning, mantle melting models, and lunar petrogenesis. Her research outputs emphasize quantitative geochemical analyses and their implications for understanding Earth's formation and internal processes.
Professor Victoria C. Smith is a leading volcanologist at the School of Archaeology, University of Oxford. Her research focuses on tephrochronology, using volcanic ash layers to date and correlate sedimentary and archaeological records. She manages Oxford's electron microprobe facilities and cryptotephra laboratory, supporting global research on explosive volcanism. Research Interests : Volcanology, tephrostratigraphy, magmatic processes, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Geographic Focus : Italy, Mexico, Japan, Azores, Canary Islands, Ethiopian Rift, Antarctica. Her recent publications highlight collaborations in geochronology, magma evolution modeling, and tephra applications in synchronizing climate-human records. She supervises MSc and doctoral students in Archaeological Science, focusing on volcanic ash as chronological tools.
Robert Martin is Professor of Nanoscience in the Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Science. He has held key leadership roles including Head of Department (2010–2014) and Vice-Dean (Research) for the Faculty of Science (2014–2020). His research is deeply integrated with SUPA (Scottish Universities Physics Alliance) and the Measurement, Digital and Enabling Technologies theme. He maintains an active research profile with numerous ongoing projects and collaborations. His research focuses on semiconductor physics, particularly group III nitride semiconductors (GaN, AlGaN), gallium oxide and its alloys, and photovoltaic materials. He applies advanced techniques such as optical spectroscopy, electron-beam spectroscopy, cathodoluminescence, and photoluminescence to study material properties at the nanoscale. His work also involves the characterization of semiconductor devices and thin films, with applications in optoelectronics and quantum technologies. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in materials characterization, strain engineering, and optoelectronic behavior of wide bandgap semiconductors. Topics include GaN-based structures, Ga₂O₃ polymorphs, perovskite heterogeneity, and novel epitaxial growth methods like molecular beam epitaxy of boron arsenide. These works reflect a consistent focus on next-generation semiconductor materials for energy-efficient and radiation-resilient devices. Robert Martin has co-authored over 325 refereed publications and holds three patents. His research is supported by multiple grants, including EPSRC-funded projects and industry collaborations such as with Kubos Semiconductors Ltd. He actively supervises research students and contributes to major research initiatives like the UK Nitrides Consortium and the Quantum Technology School. He is involved in several research labs and equipment facilities, including the CAMECA SX100 electron microprobe and ESEM Quanta 250, where cathodoluminescence and electron-beam imaging are performed. His team contributes to datasets on electroluminescence and cathodoluminescence mapping, supporting open science and reproducible research. Professional Activities: Organiser, 3rd Workshop on Semiconductor Cathodoluminescence and Electron Beam Induced Current (2025) Speaker, Quantum Technology School 2024 Organiser, UK Nitrides Consortium 2024 Speaker, SPIE Photonics West 2023 Member of editorial boards and peer review panels
Eva Pålsgård is an Associate Professor in Engineering Physics with a focus on Microsystems Engineering at Uppsala University. She currently serves as a Research Advisor at the University Administration, specifically within the Office for Technology and Natural Sciences, Unit for Research Support. Her work focuses on Horizon Europe initiatives including EIC & EIT RawMaterials, Energy, Biotechnology KIC, with expertise spanning biomaterials, energy systems, and sustainable development. Dr. Pålsgård earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Ion dynamics in insulin-producing cells. Her academic journey includes: Marie Curie Fellow (1998) Postdoctoral fellow and researcher at the University of Oxford (1994-1999) Eva's research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields with a strong focus on materials science and biomedical applications . Her work in biomaterials has led to significant contributions in bone implant technology, particularly with nano-porous alumina coatings that improve osseointegration. She has also conducted important research in energy systems , nuclear engineering , and sustainable development , with specific expertise in electrochemical energy storage and nuclear fission/fusion technologies. Her methodology often involves advanced nuclear microscopy and X-ray microanalysis techniques to study elemental distributions in biological systems. Analysis of Dr. Pålsgård's publication record reveals a clear evolution in her research focus. Early in her career, she concentrated on cellular biology, particularly studying ion dynamics in insulin-producing cells using nuclear microscopy techniques. Over time, her research shifted toward biomaterials and bone implant technology, with numerous publications on nano-porous alumina coatings for medical applications. More recently, her work has expanded into energy systems and sustainable development, reflecting her current role advising on Horizon Europe initiatives in these areas. This progression demonstrates her ability to apply fundamental materials science principles across diverse application domains. Among her notable recognitions: Marie Curie Fellow (1998) As a Research Advisor for Horizon Europe programs, Dr. Pålsgård provides strategic guidance on research funding applications, particularly in the areas of EIC & EIT RawMaterials, Energy, and Biotechnology KIC. Her extensive background in both academic research and industry (including previous positions at VINNOVA, Pharmacia Diagnostics, Q-Med, and Karolinska Institutet) gives her unique insights into translating research into practical applications. She has been involved in numerous collaborative projects bridging academia and industry in the fields of biomaterials, energy systems, and sustainable technologies. Dr. Pålsgård's research has been conducted through collaborations with multiple institutions including the University of Oxford, Karolinska Institutet, and Chalmers University of Technology. Her work on bone implant interfaces involved interdisciplinary teams combining expertise in materials science, orthopedics, and cellular biology. Currently, through her advisory role, she connects researchers across Europe working on sustainable energy solutions, raw materials innovation, and biotechnology applications.
Michael J. Jercinovic is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth, Geographic, and Climate Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he also serves as Director of the Electron Microprobe Laboratory (EMSEMF). His research focuses on advancing microanalytical techniques for geological materials, particularly through the development of high-precision electron microprobe methods. His primary research interests include: Development of electron microprobe methods for trace element analysis and geochronology Design and application of the SX-Ultrachron, a custom-built instrument optimized for sub-micron scale analysis of minerals like zircon, monazite, xenotime, thorite, and uraninite Investigating tectonic histories through microscale geochronology in regions such as Norway, Canada, the Lake Superior region, the southwestern U.S., Western Australia, the Adirondacks, the Appalachians, and Idaho Microanalysis of optical fibers and trace elements in geological materials using Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) His work represents a major advancement in materials microanalysis, enabling unprecedented precision and spatial resolution for understanding the timing and rates of complex tectonic processes. The SX-Ultrachron, developed in collaboration with Cameca, Inc. and Michael L. Williams, is the only instrument of its kind capable of sub-micron trace element and geochronological analysis. He has been involved in collaborative studies on some of the oldest materials on Earth, including monazite and xenotime inclusions within zircons from Western Australia, contributing to fundamental insights into early Earth history. While no specific scientific awards are listed in the provided text, his leadership in developing cutting-edge instrumentation underscores his significant contributions to the field of geochemical microanalysis. Michael J. Jercinovic advises students through his role as a faculty member and research director, though specific advisees are not named. His laboratory, EMSEMF, functions as a key research hub for microanalytical geoscience. He has secured collaborative support for instrument development, particularly in partnership with Cameca, Inc., indicating successful grant and project leadership. The EMSEMF laboratory, under his direction, supports advanced research in mineral chemistry and geochronology, serving both academic and applied research needs in Earth sciences.
Dr. Vladimir Palitsin is a Research Fellow at the University of Surrey's Ion Beam Centre (IBC), specializing in ion beam technologies and analytical instrumentation. He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Warwick (2006) and an MSc in Physical Electronics from Tashkent Technical University (1985). His research focuses on developing novel analytical techniques such as ambient pressure MeV SIMS, proton beam writing (PBW) for microfabrication, and correlative imaging methods for biomedical and archaeological applications. Education: MSc in Physical Electronics, Tashkent Technical University (1985) PhD in Physics, University of Warwick (2006) Research Interests: Development of analytical instrumentation and systems engineering Mass spectrometry imaging and elemental analysis Ion beam applications in material science and microfabrication Proton beam writing for 3D microstructures (e.g., lab-on-a-chip, neural biosensors) His work bridges fundamental physics with applied research, including collaborations on archaeological provenance studies (e.g., lapis lazuli analysis via μ-PIXE and μ-IBIL) and biomedical imaging (e.g., correlative lipidomics and elemental mapping in tissues). Recent advancements include optimizing proton beam damage reduction for multimodal tissue imaging and developing ambient pressure MeV SIMS for organic sample analysis. Dr. Palitsin’s contributions to microfabrication techniques, such as edge-following algorithms for PBW, enhance precision in microfluidic device fabrication. His team also explores forensic and security applications via paper spray mass spectrometry for rapid drug and explosive detection. Labs/Teams: Leading projects at the Surrey Ion Beam Centre (IBC) Collaborations with medical, archaeological, and forensic groups
Richard Hervig is a Professor at Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration. His career spans over four decades, with expertise in geochemistry, cosmochemistry, and mineral physics. He holds a B.S. (1975) from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. (1979) from the University of Chicago. After postdoctoral research at Hanford Nuclear Reservation and ASU, he became a full professor in 2004. His research focuses on planetary materials, including lunar and Martian meteorites, volcanic processes, and volatile element behavior. Key areas include hydrogen and isotope geochemistry, diffusion mechanisms in minerals, and experimental studies of planetary magmatism. Hervig pioneered SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) applications for analyzing trace elements in extraterrestrial samples. Hervig’s work spans analytical methods (e.g., Fe valence determination in minerals) and planetary processes (e.g., lunar water budgets, mantle thermal evolution). He contributed to NASA’s Genesis mission, analyzing solar wind samples, and developed techniques to quantify contamination in meteorites. His labs are part of a NSF-supported community facility for SIMS analysis. Notable contributions include studies on Martian mantle water via nakhlites, lunar volatile distribution, and diffusion kinetics in tooth enamel. He collaborates globally on projects ranging from volcanic systems to early solar system composition.
Stephen Kuehn is an Associate Professor of Geology and Director of the CU Electron Microprobe Laboratory at Concord University, located within the College of Science, Mathematics, and Health. His research focuses on tephrochronology, particularly using volcanic ash layers for chronological and environmental studies. He has conducted fieldwork in locations such as Newberry Volcano (Oregon), Alaska, and Canada's Yukon region, emphasizing cryptotephra analysis in glacial ice and lake sediments. Dr. Kuehn holds a Ph.D. from Washington State University and has prior experience as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Washington and Lee University and a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Alberta. His technical expertise includes electron microprobe analysis, ICP-OES, and the development of standardized analytical protocols for volcanic glass characterization. His research spans applications in Quaternary geology, climate change, archaeology, and paleoseismology. He actively promotes data standardization through initiatives like the Tephra Information Portal (TIP) and collaborates internationally to improve tephra data interoperability and accessibility. Dr. Kuehn’s lab at Concord University integrates advanced microanalytical instrumentation into undergraduate education, providing students with hands-on experience in geochemical analysis and field-based research. He has published extensively on tephra correlation methods, volcanic eruption histories, and paleoenvironmental reconstructions.
John Fairweather is a Research Fellow in Archaeology at the School of Social Sciences, The University of Western Australia. He holds a PhD in Geology from Curtin University, awarded on July 1, 2024, for his dissertation "Mapping Planetary Surface Ages at Ultimate Resolutions with Machine Learning: The Moon." Dr. Fairweather is a geologist whose research focuses on geochemical processes and their applications in archaeology and palaeoclimate studies. His current work centers on the analysis of manganese-rich desert varnish, aiming to develop it as a proxy for reconstructing past climate in arid regions. His methodology combines electron microprobe analysis and computational data processing to explore environmental change over long timescales. His broader research interests span multiple disciplines, including surface processes on other planets and moons, machine learning applications for improving geological analysis tasks, and the development of geochemical methods for cross-disciplinary research. His work contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental protection and scientific advancement. Dr. Fairweather's publications demonstrate expertise in Western Australia archaeology, machine learning applications in planetary science, rock art dating, and impact crater analysis. His recent work shows a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research combining geological methods with archaeological questions, particularly in the Murujuga (Dampier Archipelago) region. Geology Impact craters Provenance analysis Rock art dating Machine learning applications in geology Dr. Fairweather collaborates closely with archaeologists, planetary scientists, and geomorphologists to utilize advanced tools for geochemical data analysis. His research has been featured in numerous publications and has garnered attention from news outlets and academic platforms.
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schüßler is a Professor at the Chair of Geodynamics and Geomaterials Research within the Institute of Geography and Geology at the University of Würzburg. His academic career spans several decades with significant contributions to both geological sciences and archaeometry. His work bridges the gap between earth sciences and cultural heritage studies through advanced material analysis techniques, with particular expertise in electron microprobe analysis and other sophisticated analytical methods. Professor Schüßler's research interests encompass a diverse range of geological and archaeological topics, including geodynamics, geochemistry, archaeometry, metamorphic petrology, Antarctic geology, and ancient material analysis. He has made significant contributions to understanding the geological evolution of the Wilson Terrane in Antarctica and has pioneered the application of geological analytical methods to archaeological materials, particularly ancient glass, stone artifacts, and ceramic materials. His early work focused on the KTB (German Continental Deep Drilling Program) target area in Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, before expanding into Antarctic research and archaeometry. Analysis of Professor Schüßler's extensive publication record reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research connecting geological sciences with archaeology and cultural heritage. His work increasingly focuses on provenance studies of ancient materials using geochemical and petrographic methods to trace trade routes and understand technological developments in ancient societies. His research on ancient glass, obsidian artifacts, and building stones provides valuable insights into prehistoric and historic trade networks across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond. The integration of advanced analytical techniques like electron microprobe analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction in archaeological contexts represents a hallmark of his scholarly approach. Professor Schüßler has maintained an active research program through extensive collaborations with scholars across Europe and beyond. He has served as co-editor for multiple conference proceedings of the 'Archäometrie und Denkmalpflege' meetings and has been instrumental in establishing archaeometry as a vital interdisciplinary field at the University of Würzburg. His laboratory work involves sophisticated analytical equipment for material characterization, enabling detailed studies of both geological specimens and archaeological artifacts.
Dale Burns serves as a staff research scientist and lecturer at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, where he manages the Stanford Microchemical Analysis Facility (MAF). He also holds a courtesy faculty position as Professor at Oregon State University and serves as Technical Director for the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure program (NSF) and Treasurer of the Microanalysis Society. Dr. Burns earned his Ph.D. in Geochemistry from Oregon State University, an M.S. in Geological Sciences from San Diego State University, and a B.A. in Geological Sciences from Humboldt State University. His research spans multiple disciplines including geochemistry, volcanology, petrology, and biophotonics. Burns investigates volcanic processes in the Andes, impact cratering phenomena like the Chicxulub event, lunar magnetism, and unique biophotonic adaptations in marine organisms such as heart cockles. His work combines field studies, laboratory analysis, and advanced microanalytical techniques to understand Earth's geological processes and their implications for planetary evolution. Analysis of Burns' recent publications reveals a multidisciplinary research program spanning Earth sciences, planetary science, and biophotonics. His work on volcanic processes in the Andes demonstrates expertise in continental arc magmatism, while his Chicxulub impact crater research shows proficiency in impact geology. The heart cockle shell study represents an innovative crossover into marine biophotonics, demonstrating how natural systems solve complex optical problems. Technical Director, National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure program (NSF) (2018 - Present) Professor (courtesy), Oregon State University (2022 - Present) Treasurer, Microanalysis Society (2025 - Present) Burns teaches multiple courses at Stanford including Introduction to Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (EPS 104) and An Introduction to Quantitative X-ray Microanalysis (EPS 216, GEOPHYS 236, MATSCI 236). His leadership of the Microchemical Analysis Facility positions him at the center of advanced materials and geological analysis at Stanford, providing technical direction for researchers across multiple disciplines. His involvement with the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure program extends his technical expertise to the national level, supporting nanoscale research infrastructure across the United States.
Dr Laura Miller is a Research Fellow at the Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University (ANU). She holds a PhD (2020) and MSci (2015) in Geology. Her research focuses on geochemical processes in magmatic and metamorphic systems, particularly using experimental petrology and spectroscopic techniques. Key areas include silicate melt oxidation states, carbonatite magmatism, and cratonic stability mechanisms. Employment History: ANU Research Fellow (2023–), Monash University Research Fellow (2020–2022) Her work integrates X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), isotopic analysis, and experimental methods to study mineral-melt interactions, oxybarometry in magmas, and tectonic evolution of ancient continental crust. Recent studies explore the role of pressure in zircon crystallization thermometry and redox controls in extraterrestrial materials. Publications highlight advancements in understanding magmatic processes, including monazite saturation in carbonatites, titanium oxidation in melts, and craton stability linked to lithospheric thickness. Miller has contributed to methodological reviews in redox analytical techniques and pioneered experimental studies at ANU and international facilities like Diamond Light Source. Awards: Clement le Neve Foster Prize (2015) Current research projects involve experimental characterization of rare earth elements in carbonate melts, funded through ANU initiatives. Miller collaborates extensively on global geodynamic studies and early Earth processes, with fieldwork in Western Australia and theoretical modeling of tectonomagmatic regimes.
