Amanda M. Oehlert
Assistant Professor
Department of Marine Geosciences
University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
[email protected]
- Interests: Amanda's research focuses on understanding the role of marine fish in the global carbon cycle, as well geochemical records of global carbon cycling produced from a variety of sediments, depositional settings, and time periods, and the changes these records experience within different diagenetic regimes. She also conducts research on the geochemistry of extreme environments and the role of physico-chemical and microbial processes in mineral precipitation and biosignature formation.
- Courses: Introduction to Geochemistry (MGS 513/613), Depositional and Diagenetic Systems (MGS 360), Seminar in Marine Geosciences (MGS 701)
Clément G.L. Pollier
PhD Student, Microbialite Project
Clément is using biogeochemical methods to describe physical, biological, or geological processes in a broad spectrum of modern carbonate environments. He is particularly interested in the development of chemical biosignatures to trace the interaction between the living and mineral world through space and time. He obtained a bachelor and a master’s degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Geneva. In his free-time, he likes to talk about stromatolites, ride his bike and play guitar.
Sthapatya Saketh Kotamraju
M.P.S. Intern, Mass Spectrometer Grant
I am from Hyderabad, India and my integrated dual degree in Chemistry from BITS Pilani and deep rooted interest in Archaeology has led me to pursuing a Master's of Professional Science in the exciting field of Exploration Science at the University of Miami. I work in Dr. Oehlert's lab as an MPS intern focusing on mass spectrometry using the new Thermo Delta Q that will be installed in Spring 2024. I also conduct research which involves dating corals and speleothems using U-Th age dating, aiming to expand my expertise into radiocarbon dating. Beyond the lab, I am an enthusiastic open water diver, combining my passion for diving with scientific inquiry to explore the mysteries beneath the waves and contribute to our understanding of Earth's ancient history.
Becca Buwalda
Undergraduate Researcher, Ichthyocarbonate Project
Becca is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. Marine Science/Geological Sciences with a minor in Ecosystem Science and Policy. She is currently working on her senior thesis in Dr. Oehlert’s lab, assessing the incorporation of dietary carbon in Gulf toadfish ichthyocarbonates under increased temperature and pCO2 conditions. Becca hopes to attend graduate school to continue a career in geochemistry after she graduates in the Fall. In her free time, Becca enjoys reading, SCUBA diving, and playing with her pet chinchilla, Charlie.
Jadon Christian
Undergraduate Researcher, Ichthyocarbonate Project
Jadon is an undergraduate senior at the University of Miami pursuing a degree in Geological Sciences with a minor in Marine Science. He is working in Dr. Oehlert’s lab to complete a senior thesis focused on analyzing sedimented Ichthyocarbonate collected from atolls around the world. After graduation Jadon plans to attend graduate school to continue studying geological sciences. During his free time he enjoys binge watching TV, listening to music, and cooking.
Sydney Cloutier
Undergraduate Researcher, Ichthyocarbonate Project
Sydney is an undergraduate senior at the University of Miami pursuing a B.S. in Marine Science/Geological Sciences with a minor in Geospatial Technology. She is working on her senior thesis in Dr. Oehlert’s lab, studying the effects of feeding on Gulf toadfish ichthyocarbonate production and fate. Sydney hopes to attend graduate school for geosciences after graduating in May. Her pastimes include collecting rocks, reading, and using her pilot’s license to fly
Caroline Tran
Undergraduate Researcher, Microbialite Project
Caroline is an undergraduate senior at the University of Miami pursuing a B.S. in Ecosystem Science and Policy with minors in Geological Sciences and Biology. She is working on her senior thesis in Dr. Oehlert's lab, studying microbialite laminae evolution with taphonomy. After graduating in May, Caroline hopes to attend graduate school for tropical ecology and geological sciences. In her free time, she enjoys collecting seashells, playing pool, and going to museums.
Reid Jansen
Undergraduate Researcher, U-LINK Project
Reid is an undergraduate junior at the University of Miami pursuing a degree in Marine Science/Geological Science with minors in Math and Physics. He is currently working as an undergraduate assistant for the U-LINK project. His duties include yellowtail snapper ichthyocarbonate sample prep and supporting the development of a webinar to present the project’s results. Reid spends his free time going to the movies, skateboarding, and playing video games.
Dr. Brooke Vitek
Research Assistant
Brooke is a carbonate sedimentologist who uses petrography to study microbialite formation and early taphonomy. She specializes in making a special type of thin section that preserves biological structures, called 'wet thin sectioning'. She obtained her bachelors degree from the University of Miami in Marine Science and Geology, and recently defended her PhD in Marine Geosciences. When she's not glued to a microscope (or making thin sections to look at under a microscope), Brooke likes to make art, brew mead, and fawn over pictures of her dog.
Former Lab Group Members
Amy Feltz, MPS Intern, 2023
Kat Arista, BSc Thesis, 2023
Dr. Afeefa Abdool-Ghany, Visiting PhD Student 2021-2023, Now Postdoctoral Scholar at Florida International University
Gaëlle Duchatellier, Bachelor's Thesis, 2022, MPS Intern 2023, Now at Army Corps of Engineers
Jazmin Garza, Research Assistant, Now at Beta Analytic
Colleen Brown, MSc Thesis, 2021, Now a PhD Student at UNCW
Lina Koschik, Bachelor's Thesis, Now a PhD Student at UNC
Sam Abelman, Bachelor's Thesis, 2021, Now a PhD Student at UM
Matthew Aldrich, Bachelor's Thesis 2021, Now a Field Geologist
Tianshu Kong, MSc Thesis, 2020, Now a PhD student at Boston College.
Leah Palomo, Bachelor's Thesis, 2020, Now a Field Geologist
Ingrid Izaguirre, Bachelor's Thesis, 2018, Now a PhD student at Columbia University.
Meredith Frost- Bachelor's Thesis, 2016.