Research

Matter — Geochemistry of Earth and lunar samples

My geochemistry research focuses on atom probe tomography (APT) method development and applications in geoscience, complemented by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) U–Pb geochronology and isotope analysis.

Selected outcomes

1. APT identification of YPO₄ lamellae in high-uranium zircons and evaluation of their influence on anomalously old SIMS U–Pb ages. Published paper
2. Combined APT–TEM characterization of incompatible-element segregation at grain boundaries in olivine from natural basaltic lava. In preparation

Energy — Thermal evolution of the Earth–Moon system

My geophysics and astrophysics research focuses on the thermal evolution of the Earth–Moon system and on reconciling planetary models with geochronological constraints from lunar samples.

Selected outcome

A major completed study addresses the anomalously young ages inferred for lunar magma ocean solidification by proposing tidal heating within the magma ocean itself as an important energy source. The resulting framework provides a self-consistent explanation for the time interval between Moon formation and lunar magma ocean solidification. Preprint

Data — Patterns in geochemical datasets

I also investigate large laboratory datasets and public compilations of Earth science data to identify long-term trends, general relationships, and temporal patterns.

Selected outcome

In completed work, I compiled more than 20,000 SIMS laboratory monitor-standard measurements collected over more than eight years—including approximately 15,000 Plešovice and 8,000 Qinghu analyses—and quantified the long-term reproducibility of CAMECA SIMS zircon U–Pb geochronology. Published paper