Doctor of Philosophy in Geosciences - Crystal Chemistry and Crystallography

SUNY Stony Brook University

The department has a strong background in the study of earth and planetary materials at the atomic and molecular level, and in using the results of these studies to interpret the properties of materials constituting planets, including Earth from crust to core. Two clusters of faculty, including the Mineral physics Institute (MPI) concentrate on the behavior of minerals in planetary crusts and Earth’s Interior, respectively. Both employ a wide range of structural probes, some located in the department and others located at national and international synchrotron X-ray and neutron facilities. Within the department, extensive facilities for powder X-ray diffraction, with capabilities for in situ high-temperature and high-pressure studies exist. Projects emphasize crystal structure studies on oxides, hydroxides, sulfides, carbonates, and silicates, including characterization of phase transitions, ordering phenomena, and ion exchange.