Joshua Smith

Joshua Smith is a Research Specialist and Instructor at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change and the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS). He manages the Isotope Geochemistry Lab, which houses advanced analytical instruments for geochemical studies. His research focuses on economic geology, particularly the origin and distribution of magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposits, epithermal Au-Ag deposits, and hydrothermal alteration processes in Carlin-type Au deposits. He employs isotopic systems (e.g., S, O, Pb, Os, Sr, Cu, Ni) and reflectance spectroscopy to trace metal sources and fluid flow patterns.

**Education**:

• Ph.D. in Geological Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington (2019)
• M.S. in Geology, University of Nevada, Reno (2014)
• B.S. in Geology, Eastern Illinois University (2012)

His work integrates field studies (e.g., Great Basin mineral exploration) with laboratory analyses to understand ore-forming mechanisms. He teaches courses such as Ore Deposits and Geology fundamentals at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

**Labs & Facilities**:
He oversees the Isotope Geochemistry Lab, providing access to ICP-MS instruments and clean rooms for trace element and isotope analyses.