Biography
I am a geologist and my research questions key concepts, and explores links between early Earth evolution, the origin of complex life and formation of precious mineral deposits. The approach involves a nuanced understanding of ancient marine environments, via novel and cutting-edge geochemical techniques.
My research topic was fascinating enough to encourage me to move to Australia from my home country India in 2014 for my PhD at the...view more
I am a geologist and my research questions key concepts, and explores links between early Earth evolution, the origin of complex life and formation of precious mineral deposits. The approach involves a nuanced understanding of ancient marine environments, via novel and cutting-edge geochemical techniques.
My research topic was fascinating enough to encourage me to move to Australia from my home country India in 2014 for my PhD at the University of Tasmania. Post-graduation in 2017, I continued as a postdoctoral researcher in Tasmania alongside branching out into fields of public outreach, geoscience communication and diversity initiatives. I also pursued the Roger Deane Fellowship at the University of Toronto before joing UNSW. As a person colour, a migrant and as a woman I am always ready to communicate issues pertaining to intersectionality.
My Grants
UTAS Science Enhancement Grants (2018, 2021) - $11,100
Ian Potter Foundation (2019-2021) - $125,000
Minerals Industry (2018-2021) - $ 640,000
My Qualifications
B.Sc (honours) in Geology at the Unievrsity of Delhi (2008-2011)
M.Sc in Geology at the University of Delhi (2011-2013)
PhD in Geology at the University of Tasmania (2014-2017)
My Awards
- Superstars of STEM - Scinece and Technology Australia (2023)
- University of Tasmania (UTAS) – Vice Chancellor’s Early Career Researcher Award (2021)
- College of Science and Engineering Early Career Researcher Award, UTAS (2021)
- Commendation Award for Research Service Excellence to College of Science and Engineering (CoSE), UTAS (2020)
- Royal Society of Tasmania Annual Doctoral Award $1000 (2019)
- Awarded third place at the 3 Minute Rapid Fire Presentation competition at the Annual Geoscience Council Convention (AGCC) and awarded $1000 (2018)
- Awarded the Minerals Travel Award (2018)
- Member of the Trace Elements in Past Oceans (TEPO) team that won Australian Museum’s “Eureka Prize” (2016)
- Awarded second place at the 3 Minute Thesis competition at UTAS and awarded $1000 research grant (2015)
- Awarded Gold medal and Science Meritorious Award from the University of Delhi for ranking first in M.Sc (Masters in Geology) course in University of Delhi (2014)
- Qualified the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (CSIR-UGC-NET) for lectureship (2013)
- Awarded Indian National Science Academy Summer Research Fellowship (2012)
- Obtained Science Meritorious Awards from the University of Delhi (2011, 2012, 2013)
- Awarded the Margaret Featherstone Hayde Memorial Scholarship (1998-2008)
My Research Activities
- Geochemical composition of permineralised fossils - Towards devising a new biogeenity tool
- Combined application of trace element and clumped isotope chemistry in the McArthur Basin
- Pyrite trace and Pb isotope composition in the Stuart Shelf
- Modern ocean chemsitry and its imprints in the sedimentary rock record