Denis Fougerouse is a Senior Lecturer at Curtin University’s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS), specializing in structural and economic geology with a focus on nanogeoscience and advanced characterization techniques. He leads research using atom probe tomography (APT) to study mineral interfaces, fluid dynamics, and critical metal distribution. His work spans asteroid mineralogy (e.g., Ryugu samples), ore genesis, and nuclear geology (e.g., Chernobyl zircon re-equilibration). Fougerouse is a key member of Curtin’s Geoscience Atom Probe Facility, advancing applications of APT in geosciences. Research interests include gold remobilization mechanisms, sulfide chemistry, and shock metamorphism. He has contributed to landmark studies on pyrite microtextures, xenotime geochronology, and nanoparticle transport in gold deposits. Fougerouse’s awards include the 2024 Mineralogical Society of America Award for pioneering nanoscale mineral analysis. His interdisciplinary collaborations span planetary science, environmental geochemistry, and materials science, reflecting his role at the forefront of geoscience innovation.
Joël Brugger is a Professor of Synchrotron Geosciences at Monash University, where he is affiliated with the School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment. He earned his PhD from the University of Basel in 1996 and has held academic and research positions at the University of Adelaide and South Australian Museum before joining Monash in 2014. His research leverages advanced synchrotron techniques to investigate geochemical processes in natural and anthropogenic systems. His research interests include: Synchrotron-based geochemistry Formation of rare earth element deposits Biogeochemical cycling of critical and toxic elements (e.g., tellurium) Environmental behavior of radioactive particles (e.g., plutonium at Maralinga) Mineral-microbe-fluid interactions Sustainable mineral extraction technologies His recent publications highlight the use of high-energy X-rays to study ore formation, nanoparticle dynamics, and environmental contamination. These works demonstrate a strong trend toward interdisciplinary, experiment-driven geochemistry with implications for renewable energy and environmental safety. His research is frequently published in high-impact science communication platforms and peer-reviewed journals. Scientific awards and recognitions include: No specific awards listed in the source material. He actively engages in research supervision, consulting, and media outreach. His work is supported by the Australian Research Council and industry partners in the mining sector. He leads a multidisciplinary team and collaborates internationally, particularly in synchrotron science facilities in Europe. He has contributed to studies involving nanoscale imaging, environmental risk assessment, and clean technology development. He is involved in research teams and labs such as: Minerals, Microbes and Solutions research group (formerly at University of Adelaide) Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy Collaborations with Diamond Light Source (UK) and European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (France)
Dr. Keyron Hickman-Lewis is a Lecturer in Planetary Exploration at Birkbeck, University of London, with academic positions spanning institutions like the Natural History Museum and Imperial College London. He holds a M.EarthSci from the University of Oxford (2015) and a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from CNRS Orléans and Università di Bologna (2019). His research focuses on the co-evolution of Earth and early life, planetary exploration (including Mars 2020 Perseverance rover missions), and technique development for analyzing ancient microbial biosignatures. Key interests include microbial mats, Archaean geology, and astrobiological field analogs like Lake Abhe (Djibouti) and Martian environments. Notable achievements include identifying Earth's oldest microbial traces (3.5 Ga) and studying Mars sample return strategies. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society (FGS) and serves on the European Astrobiology Network Association Council. Teaching includes modules on planetary science, geology, and remote sensing. Supervision focuses on astrobiology and planetary exploration topics. Key publications highlight breakthroughs in microbial mat preservation, Mars sample analysis, and Early Archaean stromatolite interpretation. Collaborations span international institutions including NASA, CNRS, and the University of Bologna.
Peter C. Lippert is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at the University of Utah , with research spanning paleomagnetism, tectonics, and environmental magnetism. His work connects geological time scales to climate dynamics, orogenic processes, and urban pollution monitoring. BS (2003) and PhD (2010) in Earth sciences Postdoctoral training at University of Arizona and UC Santa Cruz Research focuses include: Antarctic ice age cyclicity and Earth's orbital influences Hydrothermal alteration effects on paleomagnetic records in Tibet Magmatism during Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean closure Magnetofossils as climate proxies for rapid warming events Evergreen needle magnetization for urban pollution mapping Recent publications highlight collaborations across 50+ international institutions , with methodological innovations in site-level paleomagnetic analysis and FORC-PCA magnetofossil discrimination. His 15 most recent articles (2020–2024) address tectonic reconstructions, geomagnetic field evolution, and climate-ocean interactions. He serves on the Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) Steering Committee and has received the Taft-Nicholson Summer Faculty Fellow award. Teaching emphasizes Earth science as a philosophy, with courses on structural geology, dynamic Earth systems, and field research.
Jill F. Banfield serves as a Professor at the University of California, Berkeley with dual appointments in the Department of Earth and Planetary Science and Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management , plus an affiliation with the geochemistry group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Her research program centers on geomicrobiology and environmental microbiology, investigating microbial community dynamics through field-intensive studies at: Iron Mountain, northern California Angelo Coast Range Reserve, northern California Rifle and East River sites, Colorado Crystal Geyser, Utah Employing cultivation-independent genomic and proteomic methodologies, her group examines: Microbial mineral dissolution and precipitation processes Biogenic nanoparticle formation and reactivity Microbial community ecology and evolutionary mechanisms Shale weathering and clay mineral transformations Riparian zone sediment, soil, and deep subsurface microbial processes The team develops specialized bioinformatics pipelines for genome-resolved analysis of environmental 'omics' data to decode microbial functional capacities and environmental impacts. While the available documentation confirms active laboratory operations and field collaborations with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, it omits specifics regarding student advisement, grant portfolios, and training programs.
Emily M. Peterman is an Associate Professor of Earth and Oceanographic Science at Bowdoin College, currently on leave for the 2025–2026 academic year. She specializes in studying mountain belt evolution and micro-to-nanoscale mineral processes using petrology, geochemistry, and geochronology. Her lab employs advanced techniques like SEM, EBSD, and cathodoluminescence to analyze mineral recrystallization and deformation. Education: PhD, University of California, Santa Barbara (2009) BA, Geology and Spanish, Middlebury College (2004) Universidad SEK, Segovia, Spain (2003) Research Interests: Peterman investigates tectonic processes through mineral-scale analysis, focusing on metamorphic reactions, crustal evolution, and nanoscale trace element mobility. Her work bridges structural geology with geochemical methods to decode Earth's dynamic history. Publications: Her recent articles emphasize Appalachian tectonics, nanogeochronology, and metamorphic petrology. Trends show strong focus on integrating field geology with atom-scale microscopy to resolve complex orogenic processes. Grants & Collaborations: NSF Tectonics Grant (2020–2023) for hosting the 6th Structural Geology and Tectonics Forum. NSF Petrology Grant (2017–2023) for ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism research in Greece/Bulgaria with UMass-Amherst. Co-directs Bowdoin's SEM Lab with EDS/EBSD/CL capabilities, supporting >600 students.
Dr. Oliver Plümper is an active researcher at Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences, specifically within the Earth Sciences department and the Structural Geology & Electron Microscopy group. His work spans multiple disciplines at the intersection of geology, chemistry, physics, and materials science, with a particular focus on understanding processes occurring at the nanoscale that influence large-scale geological phenomena. Plümper's research interests center around fluid-rock/mineral interaction, nano(geo)sciences, mineral physics, and rock deformation. He employs a multi-faceted approach that combines natural observations, experimental techniques, micro and nano-analytics, and numerical modeling to address fundamental questions in Earth sciences. His work particularly emphasizes how nanoscale processes in the Earth's interior can influence large-scale geological structures and phenomena, including mountain building, earthquake generation, and the carbon cycle. His current research portfolio includes several major projects: the ERC Starting grant 'nanoEARTH' investigating mineral-water interactions deep within the Earth; the Dutch Research Council Vidi project 'RELEASE' studying carbon cycling in subduction zones; the EU INFRAIA project 'EXCITE NETWORK' as co-Principal Investigator supporting access to advanced imaging facilities; the UIO-UU project 'serpAI' using artificial intelligence to study mantle rock alteration; and the UU-NIOZ project 'I-NANO' examining iron nanoparticles' effects on ocean biogeochemistry. These projects collectively demonstrate his focus on understanding how nanoscale processes influence planetary-scale phenomena. Plümper is a strong advocate for open science and transdisciplinary research, leading a diverse team of scientists from earth sciences, chemical engineering, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. He actively contributes to the Utrecht University Electron Microscopy Center and is involved in multiple initiatives promoting open access to analytical facilities. His collaborative approach is evident in his extensive publication record across high-impact journals including Nature Geoscience, PNAS, and Geology, with research spanning from fundamental mineral physics to applications in geothermal energy, raw material extraction, and carbon storage.
R. Wirth is a senior researcher in the Department of Geochemistry at the Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ), Potsdam, Germany, specifically within the 3.5 Interface Geochemistry group. Previously, he was affiliated with the 3.6 Chemistry and Physics of Earth Materials group at the same institution. He is actively engaged in cutting-edge research involving nanoscale analysis of geological materials using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and other advanced microanalytical techniques. The research interests of R. Wirth span a broad range of topics in geochemistry and mineralogy, including interface geochemistry, shock metamorphism, hydrothermal alteration, nanomineralogy, high-pressure mineral physics, and the formation and transformation of Earth materials. His work frequently addresses fundamental questions in petrology, economic geology, and planetary science, often focusing on the micro- to nano-scale processes that govern mineral behavior under extreme conditions. An analysis of Wirth's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary geochemical research, combining advanced analytical methods with field and experimental studies. His work often involves collaboration with international teams and contributes to understanding geological processes such as impact cratering, mantle metasomatism, ore formation, and fossilization. The keywords and subfields from his articles highlight a consistent focus on microstructures, phase transitions, fluid-rock interactions, and the application of high-resolution microscopy in Earth sciences. R. Wirth has made significant contributions to the scientific community through his extensive publication record in high-impact journals such as Geology , American Mineralogist , and Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology . His research has advanced the understanding of mineral behavior at the nanoscale, with implications for resource exploration, planetary science, and fundamental geochemical processes. Although no specific grants or advising roles are mentioned in the provided text, his collaborative publication pattern suggests an active role in research teams and scientific networks. His laboratory work is centered on advanced electron microscopy techniques at GFZ, where he likely leads or is a key member of a research team specializing in nanogeoscience. The consistent use of TEM, EELS, and microdiffraction in his studies indicates a well-equipped and specialized laboratory environment focused on high-resolution characterization of geological materials.
Gamaletsos Plato is an Assistant Professor at the School of Mineral Resources Engineering , Technical University of Crete, specializing in advanced materials characterization techniques for mineral and industrial waste analysis. Department: Mineral Resources Detection and Identification Contact: pgkamaletsos@tuc.gr, Office M2.012, Tel +30 28210 37604 Research Focus : Nanoscale mineralogical/geochemical analysis using SEM/HRTEM, Synchrotron XANES/EXAFS Mineral deposits: bauxite, Fe-Ni laterites, rare earth deposits Industrial waste valorization: red mud, HMWI ash, metallurgical byproducts Zero-waste strategies for critical/strategic metal recovery (rare earths, thorium, arsenic) Environmental geochemistry of heavy metals and actinides Hybrid inorganic polymer synthesis from industrial residues Scientific Contributions : 2021 Howie Award Best Paper (Mineralogical Society) for structural REE studies Key projects: RemovAL (KU Leuven), HC Ørsted Postdoc (DTU) Collaborations with mining/metallurgical industries in Greece, Scandinavia, Greenland Current research on scale-effect processes from macro- to nano-scale
Liane G. Benning holds a joint appointment as Professor in Interface Geochemistry at German Research Centre for Geosciences GFZ Potsdam and Freie Universität Berlin since 2016, while maintaining her position as Professor in Experimental Biogeochemistry at University of Leeds since 2007. She serves as Head of Interface Geochemistry Section 4.4 at GFZ Potsdam, leading a research group focused on mineral-fluid-microbe interactions in extreme environments. Her academic journey began with a Vordiplom in Geology/Mineralogy from Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, followed by a Diploma in Petrology/Geochemistry and PhD in Aqueous Experimental Geochemistry from ETH Zürich. Professor Benning's research interests span biogeochemistry, mineralogy, and extremophile microbiology with particular focus on mineral-fluid-microbe interface reactions in cryogenic environments. Her work examines microbial-mineral-ice interactions contributing to Greenland Ice Sheet darkening and accelerated melting, nucleation and crystallization mechanisms of environmentally relevant minerals, and microbial processes in extreme cryogenic settings that influence global-scale biogeochemical cycles. She develops and applies innovative in situ and time-resolved techniques to quantify these complex interactions at molecular to ecosystem scales. Her publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research across geochemistry, environmental science, and materials science. The articles reveal a strong focus on mineral formation processes, particularly calcium carbonate and sulfate systems, with increasing attention to cryospheric microbiology and its climate implications. Her work bridges fundamental geochemical processes with real-world environmental challenges, especially regarding ice sheet dynamics and biogeochemical cycling in polar regions. 2020 Geochemistry Fellow: European Association of Geochemistry + Geochemical Society 2018 Member of the German National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina 2017 Member of the European Academy of Sciences, Academia Europaea 2016 Schlumberger Award, The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland 2016 Bigsby Medal, Geological Society of London 2015-2017 President of the European Geochemical Society 2009-2014 Wolfson Research Merit Award, UK Royal Society Professor Benning has secured substantial research funding, with over 24 million Euro acquired through EU and UK grants in the last decade. She serves on the UK NERC Peer Review College and has contributed to DIAMOND working groups for beamline design. As Founding Editor of Geochemical Perspectives and Geochemical Perspectives Letters since 2014, she plays a significant role in shaping geochemical discourse. Her research has important implications for understanding climate change processes, particularly regarding ice sheet dynamics and biogeochemical cycling in polar regions. Leading the Interface Geochemistry Section at GFZ Potsdam, Professor Benning directs a multidisciplinary team investigating mineral-fluid-microbe interactions across various environmental systems. Her laboratory combines advanced analytical techniques with experimental approaches to study biogeochemical processes at interfaces. The research group collaborates extensively with international partners, particularly in polar science initiatives examining the role of microbial communities in ice sheet dynamics and global biogeochemical cycles.
Sarah Gain serves as an Honorary Postdoctoral Fellow within the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University, Australia. Her academic profile is marked by a robust research output, with 33 publications spanning from 2015 to 2024, reflecting sustained contributions to Earth sciences. She maintains an active research presence, as evidenced by her 2024 review article in Gondwana Research on mantle redox states and carbon cycles, and her work is indexed in Scopus with an h-index of 15. Dr. Gain's research interests center on deep Earth processes, particularly the geochemistry and mineralogy of the mantle under highly reduced conditions. She specializes in the study of xenoliths from Mount Carmel, Israel, examining corundum, spinel, and zircon to unravel mantle redox states, carbon cycling, and the formation of unique mineral assemblages including silicides, phosphides, and carbides. Her work also extends to applied geosciences, such as lithium extraction from spodumene via carbonic acid leaching. Her recent publications (2020-2024) demonstrate a cohesive research trajectory focused on extreme reduction in mantle environments. Key themes include the role of reduced fluids in magmatism, the petrogenesis of ultramafic rocks, and the implications for global carbon cycles. She has made significant contributions to the discovery of new minerals and processes, such as nanoparticle transport in ore formation and the behavior of nitrogen under super-reducing conditions. While specific details on grants and advising are not provided in the available information, her extensive collaboration network—evident from co-authorship with leading researchers like Griffin and O'Reilly—suggests active participation in funded research projects and potential mentorship roles. Her work has garnered attention, including references in Wikipedia pages and social media. Dr. Gain operates within a collaborative research environment, contributing to international teams focused on mantle dynamics and mineral exploration. Although specific laboratory facilities are not detailed, her analytical approaches span electron microscopy, geochemical analysis, and field studies, indicating access to advanced research infrastructure at Macquarie University and partner institutions.
David Cole is Professor and Ohio Research Scholar in Geochemistry at Ohio State University's College of Arts and Sciences. He directs the Subsurface Energy Materials Characterization and Analysis Laboratory (SEMCAL), employing advanced techniques like neutron scattering and NMR to study fluid-mineral interactions in energy-relevant systems. Research spans: Reaction mechanisms in minerals/fluids across scales CO2 sequestration in geological formations Shale gas system chemistry Nanoconfined fluid behavior Recent publications (2023-2025) predominantly focus on hydrogen storage optimization (40%), CO2-CH4 interactions (30%), and nanoconfinement effects (30%), with molecular simulations as the primary methodology. Article keywords show strong emphasis on adsorption phenomena, interfacial chemistry, and subsurface monitoring. Honors include fellowship status in three major scientific societies: Mineralogical Society of America, Geological Society of America, and American Association for the Advancement of Science. Secured funding from DOE Basic Energy Sciences and NSF for projects advancing sustainable energy solutions. Teaches graduate courses in nanogeoscience and subsurface characterization while serving in university governance through Arts and Sciences Senate roles.
Professor Keiko Sasaki is a distinguished faculty member at Kyushu University's School of Creative Science and Engineering within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. With a Ph.D. in Engineering from Hokkaido University, she has established herself as a leading researcher in environmental engineering, mineral processing, and sustainable materials science. Her extensive academic service includes membership in the Science Council of Japan and leadership roles in professional societies. Dr. Sasaki's research focuses on environmental remediation technologies, particularly in the areas of photocatalysis, biohydrometallurgy, and resource recycling. Her work bridges fundamental science with practical applications in mining, waste treatment, and sustainable energy production. She has pioneered innovative approaches for gold extraction from refractory ores and developed advanced materials for environmental applications. Her publication record shows consistent high-impact research output across multiple disciplines, with particular emphasis on sustainable mineral processing, photocatalytic materials, and environmental remediation technologies. The research demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary approach combining materials science, chemistry, and environmental engineering to address critical resource and environmental challenges. World Top 2% Scientists (2020-2024, Stanford University) Multiple Paper Awards from Resource and Materials Society Research Activity Awards from Kyushu University (2011-2013) Distinguished Academic Achievement Award (2025, MMIJ) Best Paper Award (2025, MMIJ) Professor Sasaki actively mentors numerous graduate students who frequently appear as co-authors on her publications. Her research projects often involve international collaborations and receive significant funding, as evidenced by her extensive publication record and leadership in national and international committees related to resource management and environmental science. She leads a research group focused on mineral processing and environmental materials at Kyushu University.
Mª Isabel Abad Martínez is a Full Professor and Associate Professor at the University of Jaén , affiliated with the Faculty of Experimental Sciences and the Department of Geology . She serves as Director of the Secretariat of Cultural Activities and Open Classroom Area Crystallography and Mineralogy Category. Her research focuses on: Geochemistry of fault zones and tectonic basins Clay mineral transformation under metamorphic and hydrothermal conditions Environmental reconstructions from Jurassic-Cretaceous sediments Recent work includes studies on: Neo-crystallization in the Alhama de Murcia Fault Paleoclimatic implications of iron crusts in Western Tethys Gold nanoparticle pollution in Mediterranean wetlands She collaborates extensively with researchers across Spain, Morocco, Italy, and Canada, utilizing advanced techniques like XRD , TEM , and Ar-Ar dating for mineral characterization and tectonic reconstructions.
Jillian Banfield is a Professor at UC Berkeley's Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, with joint appointments in Earth and Planetary Science. She directs research on geomicrobiology, microbial community ecology, and viral evolution using metagenomics and advanced imaging techniques. Her work focuses on acid mine drainage biofilms, subsurface bioremediation, and soil microbiome responses to climate change. Education: Ph.D. Earth and Planetary Science, Johns Hopkins University (1990) Research Interests: Microbial control of environmental chemistry, microbe-mineral interactions, CRISPR systems in natural communities, and viral impacts on microbial evolution. Her group develops culture-independent approaches like community proteomics and nano-scale imaging. Publications: Over 200 publications in journals including Science and Nature, with recent work on CRISPR systems from metagenomic data and subsurface microbial ecosystems. Awards: National Academy of Sciences Member (2006) MacArthur Fellowship (1999) Dana Medal (2010) Guggenheim Fellowship (2000) Students and Grants: Advises PhD students on microbial ecology projects. Secured funding from NSF, NASA, and DOE for subsurface biogeochemistry and microbial carbon cycling research. Labs and Teams: Leads the Banfield Laboratory and participates in the Innovative Genomics Institute. Collaborates with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on nanogeoscience projects.
