Daniel Sheikh, PhD Candidate

Daniel Sheikh, PhD Candidate

My dissertation is focused on using a combined chemical-crystallographic technique (using the EDS and EBSD detectors on the scanning electron microscope) to evaluate the petrogenesis and shock deformation histories of lithic clasts in lunar meteorites. My big picture research goals are to be able to disentangle effects of shock deformation in lunar samples in order to properly evaluate primary chemical signatures obtained during crystallization within the Moon. The three lithic clast lithologies I am investigating are: 1) dunites, 2) spinel-rich rocks, and 3) felsites (granites).

I recently presented on some of my initial findings on some of my spinel-rich clasts at the Meteoritical Society Annual Meeting in Brussels, Belgium in July; the conference abstract link is here: https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/metsoc2024/pdf/6468.pdf

I am currently focusing now on evaluating some of the EBSD work that I have obtained from one of my lunar dunite clasts; I will be presenting on those findings at the upcoming Lunar and Planetary Science conference in March.

My estimated graduation date would be in Fall 2026, or may extend into Spring 2027.