Research team

Drew Syverson is a geochemist whose research focuses on how interactions between water and rock in hydrothermal and weathering systems shape Earth’s oceans, atmosphere, and biosphere. At UNC Charlotte, he combines laboratory experiments, geochemical modeling, and deep-sea fieldwork to study the cycling of metals, gases, and nutrients—processes central to planetary habitability, resource sustainability, and climate solutions.

He has participated in multiple oceanographic expeditions, including diving in the submersible Alvin, and has secured funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, and private foundations. Drew Syverson earned his PhD in Geochemistry from the University of Minnesota and held postdoctoral fellowships at Monash University and Yale University. He is an active member of the USA InterRidge Steering Committee and is dedicated to mentoring students in experimental and field-based geochemistry.

Yanling Wang joined the Syverson Lab at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in January 2025 as a postdoctoral fellow. She earned her PhD in Earth Science from the University of Rochester in 2021 and subsequently worked as a research technologist at the Arizona LaserChron Center for three years. Her research interests include experimental geochemistry, trace element geochemistry, geochronology, and hydrothermal geochemistry.

Yanling’s current research focuses on optimizing molecular hydrogen generation during the serpentinization of ultramafic rocks under moderate hydrothermal conditions. This work, funded by DOE/ARPA-E, aims to advance the development of “geologic hydrogen” as a carbon-free energy resource while shedding light on serpentinization processes under early Earth conditions. Her work involves evaluating the geochemical controls on hydrogen generation, utilizing novel isotopic tracers, thermodynamic modeling, and advanced analytical techniques.

Sarah Holloway graduated from UNC-Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Geology in Spring 2023, marking a significant career transition after 17 years as an insurance agent. She continued at UNC-Charlotte’s Graduate School to pursue a Master’s of Science degree in Earth Science, focusing on geology and oceanography research. Advised by Dr. Syverson, she is researching the adsorptive behavior of Os-Re in hydrothermal and estuary environments.

She has been chosen for several awards and grants, including Outstanding Earth Sciences Masters Student (2024), and the AEG's Carolinas Scholarship (2023). Additionally, she serves as President of Charlotte's Earth Science honors society, Sigma Gamma Epsilon, Epsilon Sigma chapter. When not immersed in her studies, Sarah enjoys playing at the Whitewater Center, traveling, watercolor painting, reading, and hiking.

Liam is an Earth Science M.S. student set to graduate in the Spring of 2026. He is conducting geochemistry research involving Geologic Hydrogen production from the geochemical process: Serpentinization. Liam got his B.S. in Geology from UNC Charlotte graduating with honors in Geology. He is extremely passionate about volcanoes and how they interact with humans and the environment as well as the science of predicting volcanic eruptions. Outside of Geology Liam is an avid golfer, hiker, and outdoors enthusiast!

Ramon Rodriguez was born and raised in New Jersey. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving as a cannon crew member. During his time in the military, he gained invaluable experiences that significantly shaped his character and aspirations. His contract with the Marine Corps ended in December 2021, after which he relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, in January 2022 to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Ramon’s passion for geology began in childhood, fueled by a strong interest in space exploration and the study of planets within and beyond the solar system. His ultimate career goal is to work at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a planetary scientist. He also aspires to join the Astronaut Corps and contribute to missions that aim to return to the Moon and explore Mars.

Things Ramon likes to do for fun:

• Hiking

• Camping

• Volunteering

• Talking about space!

• Hanging out

Rokia Sissoko is an undergraduate student at UNC Charlotte, pursuing a dual major in Geology and Chemistry, with an expected graduation in 2028. The Haw River’s ongoing contamination issues in her hometown of Pittsboro, North Carolina sparked her passion for the environment. She serves on the Student Leadership Team for Charlotte’s Undergraduate Research Conference and is a member of the Niner Guide team and GEO Club. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys creating observational nature sketches, hiking, reading, watching movies, and lifting weights. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to volunteer with the Peace Corps before pursuing graduate studies in geochemistry.

Logan Brooks graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2021 with a B.S. in geology. After earning his undergraduate degree, he worked in various consulting roles before returning to UNC Charlotte to pursue a M.S. in Earth Sciences. As a research assistant, he performed enhanced rock weathering experiments under the direction of Dr. Drew Syverson. His academic interests include geology, geochemistry, and improving data management with Rstudio. He was awarded his M.S. in May 2025, along with the departmental Outstanding Master's in Earth Sciences Award. Currently, he is working as a hydrogeologist focusing on the solid waste and mining industries, and is a  licensed geologist in North Carolina.

Jackson Williams is an undergraduate senior majoring in earth and environmental science at UNC Charlotte.  He is working for Dr. Syverson as both an undergraduate researcher and a teaching assistant.  Once he has graduated he hopes to work for a startup or for the government to do his part to combat the effects of climate change.  He is also an eagle scout, and a part of the geology honor society Sigma Gamma Epsilon.  In his free time he likes to go to concerts, work out at the gym, and play his guitar.

Stephen Lail was a Research Assistant in Dr. Syverson’s geochemistry lab during the last year of his undergraduate study (2022-2023). He worked with Vesta in Hawai’i to study the effects of olivine sand on sequestering CO2 from our atmosphere. He also worked with Charlie McPherson to perform grain size analyses on beach sediments sent in by Vesta. He was funded by the NC Space Grant to study the fate of phosphorus from the anoxic weathering of an olivine seafloor which helped him pursue a Master of Marine Science at UNC Wilmington. His time as a researcher at UNC Charlotte was a great experience and inspired his masters work on dissolved oxygen dynamics in tidal creeks.

Charlie McPherson was a Research Assistant in Dr. Syverson’s geochemistry laboratory his senior year of undergrad (2022-2023). He worked on a project in collaboration with Vesta that researched enhanced chemical weathering using olivine sand to increase the rate the ocean sequesters atmospheric CO2. This was a great experience academically, professionally, and socially. After success as an undergraduate, Charlie pursued graduate school. He will graduate in May 2025 with a Masters degree in Environmental Science at UNC Wilmington. Grad school has been greatly beneficial for Charlie. His research experience at UNC Charlotte helped Charlie get his current job at a PFAS Laboratory.