Opportunities

A variety of research and training opportunities are available in the Mineral Physics Laboratory for high school students, undergraduate and graduate students with background in geology, geophysics, materials science, solid state physics. The research and training opportunities include syntheses of novel materials using the large volume presses, experimental petrology investigations of Earth materials of interest to understand the thermochemical evolution of Earth and planetary interiors, theoretical modeling of the structure of Earth and planetary interiors, and laser and X-ray spectroscopy measurements of Earth materials under high pressures in diamond anvil cells. If you are interested in such opportunities, please contact Bin Chen at binchen@hawaii.edu for further information.

Graduate Students: We are looking for highly motivated, resourceful, and diligent graduate students who are interested in pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in the field of experimental geochemistry and/or mineral physics. Prior research experience is desirable.

If interested, you are encouraged to submit a CV, transcript(s), and brief statement of research interest to Dr. Bin Chen for initial evaluation, before applying officially to the department.

Undergraduate Students: We are looking for motivated students with strong academic records to conduct research toward senior thesis or gain hands-on research experience. If interested, please submit a CV and statement of research interest to Dr. Bin Chen. You are also encouraged to apply for support from the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) of the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

If interested, please submit a CV and statement of research interest to Dr. Bin Chen.

Undergraduate Assistants: We are looking for motivated, resourceful, and organized undergraduate students to assist lab operation and research projects.

The undergraduate assistant will

• learn to use a machine shop, prepare and run high-pressure experiments;
• get to know the field of Earth and planetary materials with applications to understanding the nature and dynamics of the interiors of Earth-like planets;
• help to keep the labs organized and functional;
• assist research projects by building and upgrading experimental facilities, making and cleaning parts, processing and analyzing data, etc.

If interested, please submit a CV to Dr. Bin Chen.

High School Students: We welcome motivated students from local high schools to conduct research in our laboratory. If you are interested in projects involving the use of high pressure devices, diamond anvil cell and large volume press, please contact Dr. Bin Chen.