Minerals & Fluids Camp — Undergraduate Student Research Experience

New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM

Dates: July 25-29, 2022

The Minerals & Fluids Camp is a five-day NSF CAREER funded workshop designed for undergraduate students interested in ore deposits and geochemistry. The workshop will explore the themes of fluid chemistry, mineralogy, and local NM geology via a combination of field observations, lab experiences, and analytical methods for minerals and water.

Who is eligible:
Undergraduate students (freshman to senior year) with a background in geosciences will be given priority registration, but we can also accept students who have taken for a minimum Geology 101, Environmental Science or equivalent course(s).

What is covered:
Lodging anticipated on NMT campus (4 nights) and meals included, plus a cash stipend of $125 to travel to/from NMT.

How to apply:
Please submit a short cover letter and your current CV to Alexander Gysi by June 6 (see contact information below). In your cover letter, explain your interest in attending the Minerals & Fluids Camp and how it will further your career.

Preference will be given to students with a background in Geosciences and living or studying in New Mexico and surrounding states, budget allowing. The maximum number of applicants that can be supported for this event are 12 students.

General overview of objectives and activities:
The aim of this workshop is to give U.S. based undergraduate students a research experience at New Mexico Tech with a focus on geochemistry, mineralogy and ore deposits. This workshops also aims at promoting science and education for students traditionally from underrepresented groups. The workshop includes laboratory skills  in the new Ore Deposits and Critical Minerals lab, and learning mineral and water analysis in the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources micro-beam and geochemistry labs. It will involve interaction with faculty, graduate students and postdocs, and bureau scientists to learn about different career levels in science.

The Camp activities will include:

• Workshops, discussions, and lectures about ore-forming processes
• Hand sample and rock thin section microscopy of 
• Introduction in thermodynamic modeling of fluid-rock interaction
• Trip to a field area in New Mexico to study a critical mineral deposit
• Hands-on experimental work in the Ore Deposits and Critical Minerals lab
• SEM mineral sample preparation and analysis, 
• Major element water analysis using ICP-OES and wet chemical techniques (dilution, standard preparation, pH analysis, etc.)

For more information, contact:

Dr. Alexander Gysi
Economic Geologist
New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources
New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology
801 Leroy Place
Socorro NM 87801-4796
575-835-5754
(575) 835-6333 fax
Alexander.Gysi@nmt.edu