Matthew L. Whitaker

Graduate Student, Department of Geosciences & Mineral Physics Institute

Graduate Student, Department of Geosciences; 2002-Present
Joined Ultrasonics Group; March, 2007
Ph.D. Candidate in Mineral Physics & Geochemistry; Expected 2009
B.S. Geological Sciences, State University of New York at New Paltz, 1997-2002

Office: Earth & Space Sciences 365
Lab Phone: (631) 632-8238 / (631) 632-9706
Cell Phone: (631) 793-3578

FAX: (631) 632-8240 / (631) 632-8140
Email: matt (at) mattwhitaker (dot) net

Ultrasonics Group Website
Complete Curriculum Vitae - Click Here
Matt's Personal Website


Research Interests


Matt comes from a strong background in Experimental Petrology, Geochemistry and Planetary Science, and is now applying that background to work on new problems in the field of Mineral Physics. Matt's primary research interests lie in studying the physical properties of iron/light-element alloys and mineral phases under extreme conditions of high pressure and temperature. He carries out these investigations by conducting in situ experiments on these minerals (and eventually melts) at simultaneous high pressures and temperatures in multi-anvil apparatuses using combined ultrasonic interferometry and synchrotron X-radiation (details on these experiments can be found on the Techniques page). He is also beginning to expand the pressure range under which he studies these materials by conducting experiments in Diamond Anvil Cells. By studying these materials under these extreme conditions, Matt hopes to be able to shed some light on possible light elements in planetary cores, and expand the database of available data on these important minerals and alloys and their behavior at high pressures and temperatures.

On the personal side, Matt is an amateur musician who writes his own songs better than he plays those written by others. He is also a fanatical karaoke addict who spends his free time on the weekends singing his cares away in his favorite karaoke spots. Matt doesn't enjoy long walks on the beach, as the picture at left reveals his extremely pale Irish skin tone, which does not mix well with the sun. Matt's personal website can be found at this link.

Refereed Publications


Manuscripts In Preparation


Extended Abstracts


Abstracts


Back to MPI People | | Back to MPI Students

Page Last Modified October 14, 2008