Adriana Heimann Rios

Dr. Adriana Heimann Rios is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at East Carolina University. Her research spans mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry, focusing on crustal processes, critical mineral deposits, early Earth geochemistry, and societal geoscience. She holds a PhD in Geology from Iowa State University (2006), an MS in Geology from Iowa State (2002), and a BS in Geology from the University of Uruguay (1998).

• PhD: Geology, Iowa State University
• MS: Geology, Iowa State University
• BS: Geology, University of Uruguay

Her research emphasizes understanding mineralization processes through field work, analytical techniques, and geochemical modeling. Key projects include Fe isotope fractionation in magmatic systems, genesis of banded iron formations (BIFs), and community-engaged geoscience. She has published extensively on pegmatite chemistry, hydrothermal sulfides, and isotopic signatures in Precambrian rocks.

She has secured grants from NSF and NASA, including a 2014 NSF grant on Skaergaard intrusion geochemistry and a 2013 NASA North Carolina Space Grant for Fe isotope studies in BIFs. Her 2018 Treasured Pirate Award and 2015 Hawley Medal recognize leadership and mineralogical research. She leads the NSF LITGEO Project and mentors graduate students in mineralogy and economic geology.