May 21, 2020
Name: Angus Rogers
Institution: Monash University
Place of Residence: Melbourne, Australia
What kind of science do you do?
I'm an igneous petrologist, and I use isotope geochemistry to investigate ocean island basalts. Sounds riveting, hey? Normally I try to think about it as "shooting laser beams at underwater volcanoes."
How did you find out about the society?
I think it was cheaper to attend the Goldschmidt conference by being a student member of a society, and GS looked more interesting than the other options.
How has the society helped with your career?
The Geochemical Society has already saved me some cash, so big ups there. I'm hoping to network and meet academics from other labs, bounce ideas around etc., and I'm sure the GS will be able to assist in that regard!
What is the most interesting thing about your field of research?
I think isotope geochemistry isn't the kind of field to invoke a lot of wows from people, but I like to imagine it as a toolbox with which to unlock the history of the Solar system, and I think that is pretty cool.
Why do you think your field of work is pertinent to the world of geochemistry?
Understanding global cycles in the Earth system and how they change over millions of years is a key part of determining our place in the universe. This should matter to anyone, not only geochemists.
What is one obstacle in your field of work that you wish you could overcome?
Being in the early stages of my doctoral studies, I'm very eager to collect in-situ samples and visit other labs, and the travel ban is a pretty large spanner in the works to that end.
What is one unique memory you have from working in your field of study?
I've had a pretty unique start to my PhD being stuck at home for the past two months!
If you could discover one thing in the entire world, what would that be?
What an awesomely difficult question! Hrm, I think of anything, it would need to be something exceptionally impactful and beneficial to society. I'm going to say faster than light travel. Will let you know when the paper comes out.
If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would that be and why?
I'd like to sit down and have a coffee with George R.R. Martin and ask him why he hasn't finished writing A Song of Ice and Fire.