Samantha Russo

My PhD project focuses on understanding rare earth element ion adsorption clay deposit (REE IACD) formation and preservation. During my PhD, I have applied the mineral systems framework to present the first global exploration model for REE IACD. I have also applied whole-rock and mineral fraction-specific (through sequential extractions) elemental and isotopic (e.g., radiogenic and stable Nd isotopes) analyses to better understand REE mobility, fractionation and deposition during weathering and implications for REE IACD formation.

Prior to my PhD, I had completed (and published) a Honours project looking at paleo-environmental reconstructions of ancient seawater through undertaking sequential extraction techniques on altered banded iron formations (BIF) from Weld Range, Western Australia.