My research interests are focused on the detailed characterization of minerals and their synthetic equivalents, and the application of this knowledge to solve geological problems. As the composition and structure of synthesis products may be related quantitatively to natural growth conditions, we can predict the behaviour of systems not accessible to direct observation. To do this, I use Rietveld structure refinement, electron probe microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy, single-crystal structure refinement, and various complementary spectroscopic techniques to measure crystal-chemical properties. My laboratory work is firmly based on fieldwork, and I use the same experimental methods to study minerals in a wide variety of natural systems, particularly phosphates and oxides in granitic pegmatites and rare-element bearing minerals in general. In addition, as Director of the department`s microbeam and X-ray diffraction laboratories, I have a strong commitment to developing and applying microanalytical techniques to minerals. Current research projects research projects fall into the following areas.
