Zachary Ellia
Program: M.S. in Geology
Office: Physical Sciences 238 (Fluorite Pod)
I am an M.S. in Geology student working with Dr. Dave Pearson and Dr. Kendra Murray on a project using deep-time thermochronology (U-Th/He, fission track, Ar/Ar) to restrain the possible temperature of rocks near the Great Unconformity and confront current unknowns concerning Laurentian tectonics. I am an aspiring geoscientist and hope to continue working with isotope geochronology/thermochronology as a tool to address gaps in our knowledge of the tectonic development of our planet.
I recently graduated from Miami University (Oxford, OH) with a B.S. in Geology as well as a B.S. in Botany. My undergraduate research focused on geochemical characterization (XRD, SEM analyses) of sand from a dune system near Tonopah, Nevada to provide background context for other projects examining mine waste mobilization. I also have experience working in an experimental petrology lab with the USGS (Lakewood, CO) simulating development of lithium-rich rhyolites in cold-seal vessels.
When I'm not poking around at rocks, I love playing video games/board games with friends, reading, herb/vegetable gardening, and hiking. I'm a complete DC Comics nerd and you can often find me with my headphones listening to my favorite band: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard!