Alyssa Smith PhD Candidate

Alyssa Smith, PhD Candidate

My doctoral work focuses on understanding the chemical evolution of mafic (basalt and basaltic andesite) lavas in the central Oregon High Cascades. My overarching tasks are to 1) describe the distribution of mafic lavas in the Oregon High Cascades, 2) determine why basaltic andesites in particular are so abundant in this part of the Cascades, and 3) examine how the chemistry of individual volcanic centers compare to those in close proximity. I am using a combination of bulk rock geochemistry, new geologic dates, petrography, and eventually isotopes to answer these outstanding questions. 

This past summer was my third out in the field. Though fires curtailed some of my plans, my assistants and I completed three sampling trips, mostly focused in the areas north of Sisters and south of Sunriver. As of this year, I have been able to take about a dozen PSU undergraduates along as field assistants. This is an invaluable resume builder that has led to internships and jobs for several already, so the impact of this funding has gone beyond my research alone!

I also worked with members of our sister organization, the Central Oregon Geoscience Society, to begin a citizen science campaign where outdoorsy adventurers can collect even more rock samples from areas I have been unable to reach on my own. This campaign will be continuing through next summer, so stay tuned if you are also interested in joining in on the fun. I should be wrapping up my fieldwork next summer and collecting the rest of the chemical data I need. After that, I will be focused on writing up my findings and eventually defending my work. 

I want to personally thank all of you in GSOC for providing not only financial support for my work, but also for your unwavering enthusiasm. It takes a village to complete a graduate degree and you all have been an incredible village for the graduate students at PSU. Thank you!

Projected date of completion: Spring or Summer 2026