Auckland, New Zealand, is a large city, home to 1.5 million people and an active volcano. By using analytical geochemistry to determine the chemical composition of a mineral called olivine, I study the eruption speeds and internal processes of the Auckland Volcanic Field. Understanding the innerworkings of this volcano enables us to better predict warning times for the city of Auckland before this volcano’s next eruption.

Research has helped me develop the skills, confidence and knowledge base needed to pursue my goal of a Ph.D. in planetary geoscience. I fell in love with my work when I discovered how much a small mineral can tell you about the innerworkings of the Earth and other planetary bodies. My passion for research and outreach led me to be an ICRU Ambassador in hopes to enlist others into the amazing field of environmental and planetary sciences!