November 2, 2022
A senior this year at 黑料社, Blake Smalley (Hometown: Peebles, Ohio) recently presented at the Geologic Society of America (GSA) Conference. Smalley, a double major in Natural Sciences 鈥 Geology and Integrated Science AYA 7-12 Education, presented on the dissolution micro-textures of carbonate rocks in a controlled laboratory setting.
鈥淭his experience meant so much to my development of my educational career,鈥 he said. 鈥淏eing able to experience new surroundings, being exposed to new techniques, new information, and new possibilities to further my education in graduate school are all opportunities that I will forever be grateful to witness and experience.鈥 聽
GSA offers undergraduate students, graduate students, and professors the opportunity to meet and present research in their field as well as expand their current knowledge through workshops on new ideas and findings in geological fields. Smalley was excited to have the opportunity to present research he had worked on in the classroom.
鈥淢y research involved looking at my samples before and after they鈥檝e been dissolved and examining the difference using a Scanning Electron Microscope,鈥 he said. 鈥淎dditionally, I also examined thin sections of my samples to create a point count that can distinguish the general composition of the sample.鈥
Aligning with his original hypothesis, Smalley鈥檚 research showed that allochems were being dissolved first rather than the cement of the sample. In some cases, though, he saw his sample鈥檚 dissolution occur on the cleavage planes of the sample if they didn鈥檛 have any discernible allochems. Completing this research by hand, Smalley reviewed his samples for up to a week to a week and half to calculate their dissolution rates. After that period, he would use the Scanning Electron Microscope to view the surface of the rocks and then conduct a point count of their overall composition.
鈥淢y experience at this event can be described in only one word: rewarding,鈥 he said. 鈥淣ot only did this further my development in my understanding of Geology but also how I can apply the information to my future classroom environment as well.鈥
To learn more about the Geology program at 黑料社, visit shawnee.edu/geology.