Co-investigator in the project

I am working as Research Assistant in Institute of Geological Sciences Polish Academy of Sciences (IGS PAS), Research Centre in Cracow, in Clay Minerals Research Group (Clay Lab). My research field of work is mostly focused on experimental mineralogy and instrumental analysis for characterization and identification of rocks and minerals. Currently my research interests center around two group of minerals: Fe(II)-bearing phyllosilicates and apatites. Regarding Fe(II)-bearing phyllosilicates, my research covers the thermal decomposition experiments, that are focused on an intriguing issue of Fe(II) oxidation by dehydrogenation. The investigations are conducted to understand the high–temperature processes shaping Earth, as well as Mars, that affects the water budget and closely reflect an anaerobic and aerobic geological environments. In terms of the studies on apatites, my research covers the characterization of synthetic lead apatites for environmental applications (removing of heavy metals from water and soils) and the examination of fossil bioapatite preservation. Regarding to the latter issue, I am interested in developing infrared spectroscopy techniques for examination of alteration stage of fossil bones and enamel and quantifying the chemical components of bioapatites. For my research I use mostly Fourier infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction.  

Education and professional experience

I have got my Master degree in Mining Geology from AGH University in Cracow (Poland) in 2012. My MSc thesis focused on the synthesis of arsenate lead apatites (hydroxylmimetite) and characterization of carbonate substitution in the apatite structure.  In 2020, I have graduated with a doctoral degree from IGS PAS in Earth Sciences. My doctorate research was focused on the study of dehydrogenation and dehydroxylation reactions during thermal decomposition of Fe-Mg series of chlorites. I developed my lab skills being employed as Technician Specialist at Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice (Poland) (2013-2015), as Technician Specialist and Manager of Clay Minerals Laboratory (2015-2020) at IGS PAS in Cracow (Poland), and during internship at the Institute of Materials Science of Mulhouse (France). To boost my analytical skills I attend international workshops and training courses dedicated to instrumental analysis of rocks and minerals.