Meet the team
Principal Investigator
Dr. Ryan Venturelli (she/her)
Venturelli@mines.edu
- Ph.D., Geological Oceanography, University of South Florida, 2021
- M.S., Earth and Quaternary Systems, Indiana State University, 2015
- B.S., Geology, Indiana University Northwest, 2013
Dr. Ryan Venturelli is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering with affiliations in the Hydrologic Science and Engineering and Geochemistry programs. Ryan’s work focuses on utilizing subglacial geologic archives and radiocarbon-based tools to reconstruct Holocene glacial processes in Antarctica. Ryan is a champion for safe and inclusive field and lab work, centering student success, and sharing the excitement of polar science with K-12 students. When she’s not working, you can usually find her playing with her dogs, Pawson and Barkley.
Postdoctoral Scholars
Dr. Marion McKenzie (she/her)
NSF-EAR Postdoctoral Fellow
marion.mckenzie@mines.edu
- Ph.D., Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, 2023
- B.S., Environmental Studies, Gettysburg College, 2019
Dr. Marion McKenzie is an NSF EAR Postdoctoral Fellow in the Rates and Dates lab studying dynamics and timing of Cordilleran Ice Sheet collapse. In this work, she uses a mixture of subglacial sedimentological records, radiocarbon analysis, and geomorphological mapping. Marion received her PhD from the University of Virginia in 2023 studying the impact of topography and geology on ice-flow dynamics across the deglaciated landscapes. During her PhD, Marion helped establish a department-level DEI committee and worked to build a supportive, communicative, and transparent work environment for graduate students. When not working with mud, she can be found reading, swimming, or taking her dog, Evy for a walk.
Dr. Theresa King (she/her)
theresa.king@mines.edu
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Ph.D., Geological Oceanography, University of South Florida, 2024
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M.S., Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, 2014
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B.S., Marine Science, Coastal Carolina University, 2011
Dr. Theresa King is a postdoctoral researcher in the Rates and Dates lab studying marine-based radiocarbon records that establish timing of oceanographic change and Antarctic ice dynamics. This work is part of a collaborative effort to construct a cyber infrastructure that will compile and update marine radiocarbon ages for researchers aiming to understand the deglacial history of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Before joining the RaD Lab, Theresa’s PhD focused on optimizing the accuracy of Southern Ocean paleoceanographic reconstructions over different timescales using deep-sea corals and marine sediment records. Throughout her academic career, Theresa has been driven by research that aims to understand Antarctic deglacial history and has been shaped by collaborators that aim to support others and provide an inclusive space, which she strives to emulate every day. When she’s not working, Theresa is probably spending time supporting her very nervous dog, Ollie, listening to audio books, or taking easy scenic hikes.
Graduate researchers
Ellie Miller (she/her)
Ph.D. Student and NSF Graduate Research Fellow
ellie_miller@mines.edu
- B.S., Earth and Environmental Science, Vanderbilt University, 2022
Ellie Miller is an NSF Graduate Research Fellow in the Rates and Dates lab studying past evolution of the Laurentide, Greenland, and West Antarctic ice sheets. Ellie’s love for glaciology blossomed through her undergraduate research at Vanderbilt University, where she dated detrital zircon from the Dry Valleys (Antarctica) using cosmogenic nuclides. Prior to joining the RaD lab, she pursued a Fulbright Research/Study Grant to Denmark and Greenland, allowing her to broaden the scope of her research to both poles. Beyond Ellie’s research pursuits, she is committed to making the field of cryospheric sciences more accessible to underrepresented groups and fostering a culture of co-generative research practices in Arctic Indigenous spaces. When she’s not working, you can usually find her flyfishing, hiking, practicing yoga, and attending concerts!
Jason Drebber (he/him)
Ph.D. Student
jason_drebber@mines.edu
- B.S., Geology, University of Vermont, 2022
Jason is a PhD student in the Rates and Dates lab studying the how, when, and why of past glacial change in Antarctica using compilations of paleoglaciological constraints. As an undergraduate student, Jason worked at the NSF/UVM Community Cosmogenic Facility where he conducted research dating the retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet through New England using cosmogenic surface exposure dating. In addition to his scientific pursuits, Jason has worked as an EMT since 2017! When he’s not working, you can find Jason reading, hiking, or skiing.
Joseph Ruggiero (he/him)
Ph.D. Student
joseph_ruggiero@mines.edu
- M.S., Geology, Northern Illinois University, 2022
- B.S., Geological Sciences, SUNY Geneseo, 2019
Joe Ruggiero is a PhD student in the Rates and Dates lab studying Antarctic Ice Sheet history using marine sediment archives and multi-proxy methods. His driving research questions involve how glaciated or otherwise cold environments have changed throughout Earth’s history and prior to joining the RaD lab, Joe’s M.S. research focused on quantifying Southern Ocean paleotemperatures using diatom morphometrics. When he’s not working, you can usually find Joe whitewater kayaking or reading supernatural mystery novels.
Rachel Meyne (she/her)
Ph.D. Student
rachel_meyne@mines.edu
- M.S., Geology, Binghamton University, 2024
- B.S., Geology, Colgate University, 2021
Rachel is a PhD student in the Rates and Dates lab interested in studying deglaciation of polar environments. In her past research she has focused on why and how Antarctic margins deglaciate and is excited to add a geochemical and geochronological perspective in her PhD studies. As an undergraduate Rachel used diatoms to study the paleoceanography of deglaciation in East Antarctica and as a M.S. student studied ice sheet behavior from marine sediment cores in the Ross Sea. When she is not in the lab you can probably find Rachel climbing at the local crag or lingering in her favorite art museums.
Undergraduate researchers
Ava Nordgren (she/her)
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow
anordgren@mines.edu
Ava Michelle Nordgren is a sophomore at Colorado School of Mines. Equipped with an Associate of Science degree earned during her high school years, her academic journey now centers on Geotechnical Engineering. This summer, Ava is working to pair cosmogenic nuclide geochemistry and geomorphic analysis to better understand deglaciation of past ice sheets. In her free time, Ava finds solace in fly fishing, hiking, and playing her violin.
Jack Schiavo (he/him)
Undergraduate Researcher
johnschiavo@mines.edu
Jack is a junior at Colorado School of Mines pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Geological Engineering. He has joined the RaD team during Summer ’24 as a research assistant focused on exploring deglaciation in Antarctica using terrestrial and marine geologic archives while learning more about glaciology and the research behind it! Jack aims to pursue further research in the field as a graduate student once he completes his degree at Mines. Outside of the lab, Jack enjoys skiing, petting dogs, and mock medieval combat.
Emma Blair (she/her)
Undergraduate Researcher
emmablair@mines.edu
Emma is a senior at Colorado School of Mines majoring in Geological Engineering with a concentration in geotechnical engineering. She joined the RaD team during Summer ’24 as a research assistant analyzing geomorphic differences between glacial catchments in Antartica. During her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog Daisy and reading fantasy novels!
Lab pets!
Barkley (he/him) & Pawson (he/him)
Ph.D. (Pretty handsome doggos)
Barkley (after Barclay Kamb) loves dark grey, very wet, sticky clay-rich diamicton.
Pawson (after Douglas Mawson) loves exploring and doing science in new places.
Evy (she/her)
B.S. (Best snoozer)
Takes naps very seriously. Incredibly motivated by food.
Daisy (she/her)
M.S. (Master of Snugs)
Extremely outdoorsy. Find her on a mountain.
Ollie (he/him)
Ph.D. (Pretty handsome doggo)
Extremely brave boi. Happy to be here.