Doctoral Dissertation - Copper stable isotope fractionation in low-temperature geological systems
My thesis deals with the application of copper stable isotopes to sedimentary geological systems, and particularly the influence of redox processes in solution on copper isotope fractionation. The work includes: (1) copper isotope study of the Kupferschiefer of Poland and Timna Valley of Israel sedimentary-hosted stratiform copper deposits; (2) experimental studies of copper isotope fractionation; (3) theoretical modeling of fluid speciation controls of copper (and other transition elements) isotope fractionation; (4) Cu-Pb-Sr-U isotope studies on copper mineralization in the Timna Valley.
Postdoctoral research scientist at the Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
Studying Black Shales from key geological units for Fe and Mo isotopes and major/trace elements. The goal is to document the sequence of environmental changes associated with and pursuant to the Great Oxidation Event. Studied geological units include the ca. 2.1 Ga Ludikovian Series (Russia) and Sengoma Argillite Fm. (Botswana); ca. 2.32 Ga Timeball Hill Fm. (South Africa); ca. 2.5 Ga Mount McRae shale (Western Australia) and Gamohaan Fm. (South Africa); 2.63 Ga Jeerinah Fm. (Western Australia); and ca. 2.7 Ga Manjeri Fm. (Zimbabwe).
Participating in a multi-isotope study of seafloor hydrothermal fluids and mineralization from the Back-arc Manus Basin hydrothermal system. Addressing the processes leading to the fractionation of metal isotopes in hydrothermal systems.
MC-ICP-MS lab manager at the Laboratoire Géochimie et Métallogénie at the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER), Brest, France
Operating the MC-ICP-MS machine under various projects and measuring large variety of isotopic systems (e.g., Si, Fe, Ni, Cu, Mo, Nd, Sm and Pb). The work included collaboration with different scientists from IFREMER and from other research institutes and universities. Development and calibration of isotopic measurements by laser ablation MC-ICP-MS methods. Guiding students in all aspects of clean lab work and isotopic measurements.
Postdoctoral research scientist at the Geology department of the University of Liège, Belgium
Studying Mo isotopes (and possibly other metallic isotope systems) of Mesoproterozoic - Neoproterozoic sediments from the Mbuji-Mayi Supergroup of Congo. The ca. 1300 – 800 Ma Mbuji-Mayi Supergroup is associated with great climatic and biological changes also linked to the assembly (~ 1000 Ma) and break-up (~ 850 Ma) of Rodinia. In this project I attempt to reconstruct the paleo-redox conditions of the ocean and atmosphere during this time window using isotopic compositions of metallic elements. Other aspects of this project include the study of microfossils, carbon and oxygen isotopes and TOC.