About

Originally from Ottawa, Canada, I completed a B.Sc. Honours in Geology at the University of Ottawa and a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences at the University of British Columbia, where I conducted research on the genesis of gem spinel, sapphire, and lapis lazuli in metacarbonate rocks in southern Baffin Island (Canadian Arctic). While a student, I spent much of my spare time exploring for new gemstone occurrences in Canada, processing the rough, and having it cut. Through this work, I earned working knowledge of gems from source to market, which is relevant to my work today. 

I am currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada, where I lead the Gem Science Research Group. My research group's work focuses on coloured gemstone deposits, particularly gem corundum (ruby/sapphire) deposits and exploration method development.