Research Group

Chel Dodge, PhD

Michele Dodge is a first-year Ph.D. student who holds an M.S. in Geology from San José State University, with a concentration in igneous petrology and geochemistry. Her research at Mizzou focuses on zircon petrochronology, statistical analysis, and machine learning techniques to identify critical mineral fertility patterns in igneous rocks. She is particularly interested in developing new approaches that can support critical mineral exploration in North America. Michele is a 2026 GSA On to the Future participant.

Kristy Bough, MS

Coming Soon!

Kailyn Kirkendoll, BS

Kailyn is a second-year undergrad at the University of Missouri. She is majoring in Geology and minoring in Paleobiology. Her research focuses on the geochemistry and petrology of granitic rocks and associated dikes at Desert Mountain, Utah.

Caroline Rogers, MS

Caroline successfully defended her MS thesis about using Pb isotopes to decipher mantle heterogeneity along the Basin-and-Range and Colorado Plateau transition! She will begin teaching high school chemistry and earth science electives for the Sturgeon, Missouri school district in Fall 2026.

Alex Smith, MS

Alex successfully defended his MS thises about the timing of the mega-landslides in southern Utah! He is currently a Teaching Assistant for the University of Missouri's Branson Field Camp and seeking employment with a state geologic survey.

John (Violet) Hess, UGR

Violet finished their undergraduate degree in December 2025, majoring in geology with a minor in mathematics. Violet is now a mapper with the Missouri Geologic Survey.

Ella Watson, UGR

Ella graduated from the University of Missouri in August 2025, majoring in geology with minors in anthropology and history. She is now seeking employment and lives in Oklahoma.

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