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Alexis R. Lopez
Alexis R. Lopez
PhD. Candidate
PhD. Candidate
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
The need for critical minerals has increased as the United States moves to more sustainable energy sources, resulting in a renewed interest in studying and mining of deposits, legacy mines, and mine wastes (Burton, 2022; Motlagh and McLemore, 2024). Critical minerals are defined by their necessity in economic and national security for the United States (The Energy Act of 2020; USGS, 2025). Critical minerals are used in our everyday lives, from minute pieces in our cellphones to computers to car parts. This societal impact is part of the reason why I have dedicated my research career to understanding how deposits form. The other reason I enjoy the questions I have attempted to answer is the complexity, which results in the need to learn and use multidisciplinary tools.
The need for critical minerals has increased as the United States moves to more sustainable energy sources, resulting in a renewed interest in studying and mining of deposits, legacy mines, and mine wastes (Burton, 2022; Motlagh and McLemore, 2024). Critical minerals are defined by their necessity in economic and national security for the United States (The Energy Act of 2020; USGS, 2025). Critical minerals are used in our everyday lives, from minute pieces in our cellphones to computers to car parts. This societal impact is part of the reason why I have dedicated my research career to understanding how deposits form. The other reason I enjoy the questions I have attempted to answer is the complexity, which results in the need to learn and use multidisciplinary tools.
I have highlighted some of the courses I've taught, the academic positions I've held, and some professional development workshops I've attended.
I have highlighted some of the courses I've taught, the academic positions I've held, and some professional development workshops I've attended.
I have compiled a list of links, websites, and materials that my colleagues and I have come across. This is not a comprehensive list, and I'm continuously updating!
I have compiled a list of links, websites, and materials that my colleagues and I have come across. This is not a comprehensive list, and I'm continuously updating!
Downloadable copy of my curriculum vitae and an abbreviated overview! If you have any questions or are interested in collaboration, please feel free to email me at arlopez1@unc.edu or alex.r.lopez14@gmail.com.
Downloadable copy of my curriculum vitae and an abbreviated overview! If you have any questions or are interested in collaboration, please feel free to email me at arlopez1@unc.edu or alex.r.lopez14@gmail.com.
Field photos from some of the beautiful places I've visited for field work as a primary investigator or field assistant.
Field photos from some of the beautiful places I've visited for field work as a primary investigator or field assistant.
Exciting Updates/News:
Exciting Updates/News:
Fall 2025: Accepted and will attend the SEG-hosted Copper Flats Porphyry-Breccia System, NM, in October! Began the Teaching Certificate through NC State University, and the workshops have been really informative!
Summer 2025: FIELD SEASON!!! Spent a couple of days outside of Battle Mountain, NV, collecting samples. Then, spent a week in Yosemite helping my labmate, Ami Ward, and two undergrads, Chandler Deese and Catie Banks, to collect samples for their projects.
Spring 2025: Received a GSA Graduate Research Grant ($2575) to complete thermochronology on zircons. Gave a poster presentation at the EMES Research Symposium.
Fall 2024: Attended AGU24 in Washington, D.C. and presented a poster titled, "Radiogenic isotope characterization of the mineralization at Buffalo Valley Mine, NV".
Spring 2024: Presented at EMES Research Symposium!
Fall 2023: Attended and presented a poster at the Gordon Research Seminar and Conference (GRS and GRC23, respectively) in Vermont. Presented a poster at AGU23 in San Francisco, CA titled, "Investigating the source of the granodiorite dikes through isotope systems at Buffalo Valley Mine, NV".
Summer 2023: Attended Earth Educator Rendezvous (EER23) in Pasadena, CA, and led a round table discussion on Graduate student mentoring and the undergraduate experience. Participated in a three-day workshop, 'Preparing for an Academic Career', and a two-day workshop, 'Teaching with Geochemical Data'. FIELD SEASON!!! Spent a week in Yosemite helping my labmate, Ami Ward, and then almost a full week outside of Battle Mountain, NV, collecting samples and getting a tour of the operations under SSR Mining. Received a travel grant to attend both the GRS and GRC23.
Spring 2023: Received the Druscilla French Excellence Funding Award ($5,000); Presented at the PerkinElmer Research Symposium. Went to Princeton University to learn and update the U-Pb zircon techniques used at UNC, Chapel Hill. Received a travel grant to attend the EER23 ($500).
Fall 2022: Mentored Dylan Morrison and Anna Strickland for their undergraduate honors thesis.
Summer 2022: FIRST FIELD SEASON!!! Made formal introductions with SSR Mining Company and headed out to Yosemite with my lab mate, Ami Ward, and advisor, Drew Coleman.
Spring 2022: Contacted SSR Mining company about a potential field site at Buffalo Valley Mine, a distal disseminated gold mine.
Fall 2021: Survived! Taught Earth Materials in person for the first time at UNC, Chapel Hill!
Spring 2021: Survived! Taught Petrology online.
Fall 2020: Survived! Taught Earth Materials online.
May 2020: Graduated from California State University, Chico with an MSc. in Geosciences with distinction.
*Photo taken by Ashley Lynn, MSc at one of the active mines grouped under the Marigold Mine, near Valmy, NV.
**All photos were taken by Alexis R. Lopez unless specified.
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