Thomas Harvey

I am a final Year PhD student in the Isotope Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry research group. I aim to understand geological processes in the Solar System, with a particular focus on the information that can be gleaned from analysis of metal in extraterrestrial samples.

My undergraduate geology and masters geoscience experience have equipped me well for my research as I developed an interest in hard rock geology early on and was able to undertake a research project into a rare terrestrial iron-nickel metal called Josephinite. 

I am investigating the effect of impact melting processes on iron-nickel metal particles in chondritic and lunar rocks. Using a combined approach which involves using a range of analytical techniques with the aim of interpretting specific conditions or processes from variations in particle composition or crystallographic microstructure associated with impact melt deformed morphology. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with and learn about a range of analytical instruments including the Scanning Electron Microscope, used for QEMSCAN and Electron Backscattered Diffraction analysis, as well as the Electron Microprobe, used for quantitative compositional analysis.

In addition, I am actively participating in the curation and classification of samples returned by the Lost Meteorites of Antarctica project. I am using photogrammetry to produce high fidelity three-dimensional computer models of meteorite samples returned from the field, with the goal of non-destructively determining their volume as a tool for further investigating their physical properties - which are key to understanding the composition and history of their parent bodies. 

President's Doctoral Scholar Award (University of Manchester - 2018 - ongoing)

Chelsea Fleet Memorial Award (Best Undergraduate Field Mapping Project - RHUL 2017)

Isotope Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry Research Group