My research

Volcanic ash particles are known to rapidly release high concentrations of major, minor and trace elements into seawater, although the influence of this influx on tropical corals is poorly understood. Chemical proxies in the skeleton of massive scleractinian corals have been widely used to reconstruct oceanic parameters such as sea surface temperature, salinity, pH, light intensity, sedimentation and seawater composition. Seeing as though many of these parameters are affected by ash deposition, we hypothesise that the effects of ash leaching can leave a geochemical imprint on the chemical composition of the coral skeleton.

To test this hypothesis, I'm measuring LA-ICP-MS profiles on coral core samples taken from the northwest fringing reefs of Barbados, Lesser Antilles. We've cored massive coral colonies 15 months after the April 2021 eruption of La Soufrière, St. Vincent (192 km east of Barbados), which deposited volcanic ash on Barbados. Each  sample is approximately 6cm in depth, and thus represents skeleton precipitated before, during and after the eruption. Our results may provide crucial information regarding destinguishing volcanic eruptions in coral archives.

Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy a wide range of sports/hobbies. I'm a passionate diver with a PADI Divemaster qualification. I also enjoy windsurfing and mountain biking in the summer, and skiing in the winter.  I've recently started  kitesurfing which I find highly amusing.