December 2023 – November 2025 | Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship
Johannes Gutenberg–Universität Mainz, Germany.
Working with Prof. Dr. Virginia Toy.
Responsibilities
- Investigated mechanical heterogeneity of the Chrystalls Beach subduction channel mélange, New Zealand.
- Performed structural analysis of 3D outcrop models, micro-textural analysis using electron microscopy, & in-situ and lab-based rock mechanics.
- Developed techniques to quantitatively evaluate 3D photogrammetric models.
Teaching
- Field teaching: Endogene Geology, Switzerland field trip (MSc)
- Field teaching: Geodynamics, Switzerland field trip (MSc)
- Field teaching: Ahrtal field trip (UG)
- Field teaching: Bad Dürkheim quarry field trip (UG)
- Development and teaching: OutcropViewer virtual field trip (UG)
- Teaching Assistant: Tektonic 1 (UG)
Supervision
- 2024: Richard Haas. Not all models are created equal: Optimized viewing angles for geological photogrammetry: A systematic assessment of camera network geometry and the influence of noise, compression and format of input images. MSc.
My Humboldt-funded postdoc focussed primarily on investigating the mechanical heterogeneity in the Chrystalls Beach Mélange, New Zealand. Mélanges are widely-known to be some of the most lithologically heterogeneous rock units in the world; however, the mechanical heterogeneity within and between blocks had not been so thoroughly studied. This project used a combination of in-situ strength tests using a Schmidt rebound hammer — calibrated using laboratory-based experiments — and detailed structural and microstructural characterisation of the fracture networks and alteration. This research demonstrated that blocks do indeed feature internal heterogenity with the cores of blocks being much stronger than the margins. In some cases, the margins of blocks have strengths comparable to that of the matrix.
In addition to this research, I also developed methodologies to quantitatively assess the resolution, accuracy, and quality of photogrammetric outcrop models and supervised a masters student who empirically determined how camera positions and settings influence the quality of photogrammetric models.
Interpreted outcrop model from the Chrystalls Beach Mélange
Interpreted outcrop model from the Chrystalls Beach Mélange, New Zealand, showing sandstone (yellow) and chert (blue) blocks cut by an anastomosing network of veins and fractures (red and pink).
Altered Basalt Block and Matrix Contact
Polished sample photo and SEM-BSE map of the contact between an altered basalt block and its surrounding mudstone matrix revealing pervasive brecciation and alteration of the basalt and lozenge-shaped fragments of altered basalt within the matrix.
Sandstone Block and Matrix Contact with Laminated Vein
Polished sample photo and SEM-BSE map of the contact between a sandstone block and its surrounding mudstone matrix. The lower edge of the sample shows a laminated vein which was observed in the field to be part of a pervasive anastomosing network. Coming off this thick vein is another anastomosing network of thin veins.
Mélange Heterogeneity Revealed by Schmidt Hammer Strength Tests
In-situ strength tests of blocks and matrix in the Chrystalls Beach Mélange, New Zealand showing systematic differences between the strengths of block cores and margins.
Perspective distortion at different camera positions
Demonstration of the perspective distortion seen between images at different camera positions illustrating the distortion that would affect all feature points on the sample.