An avid mineral collector, I maintain an extensive collection of various rocks and minerals, both from the market and found while rockhounding. While I collect all kinds of rocks and minerals, I am primarily interested in collecting Garnets.

I am interested in every aspect of geologic mapping and modeling using GIS and related tools. In the future, I would like to use GIS both professionally and recreationally for hobby projects and my career.

My primary academic interests are within the field of Economic Geology, particularly with a focus on the study of the formation and distribution of ore deposits. I would like to apply my other interests to this study in the future.

My personal favorite mineral, Uvarovite Garnet is a chromium-bearing Garnet typically found with small, fine green crystals. Here is a quality example from a common locality in Russia.

During Summer 2024, I completed a research internship in Washington D.C. where I was able to spend time exploring the surrounding region. Here is a photo of a hike I took along the Potomac River, West of D.C.

Here is spessartine garnet from Wushan Mine, Tongbei, Yunxiao County, Fujian Province, China. This specimen in particular fluoresces a bright neon green under shortwave UV light!

An interesting rock formation with minerals growing out found along the Potomac river. While I was hiking, it was fascinating to see the diverse geology present in the region.