The ESPM group uses experimental approaches to study the mechanical and chemical behavior of rocks and minerals.
The group is comprised of two labs: the Rock Deformation Lab (Prof. Phil Skemer – PI) and the Experimental Geochemistry Lab (Prof. Mike Krawczynski – PI). Our labs use high pressure and high temperature experimental apparatus to simulate the conditions within Earth and other solar system bodies. Our experimental approach is complemented by state of the art analytical facilities, including electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
Research positions available
The Rock Deformation and Experimental Geochemistry Labs of ESPM are inviting applicants for PhD programs starting Fall 2025.
If you are an undergraduate with an interest in Earth and Planetary Science, please see Phil Skemer or Mike Krawczynski for more information.
Press Releases
Lastest Publications
- Skemer P., Couvy H., Cross A.J., Littleton J.A.H., Bollinger C. (2025) Large volume torsion (LVT) apparatuses for rock deformation at high pressure and temperature Review of Scientific Instruments, https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0221218
- Horn C.M., Skemer P. (2025) Rheology of hydrous minerals in the subduction multisystem. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2024.119171
- Vaci Z., Kruttasch P. M., Krawczynski M. J., Ogliore R. C., Mezger K. (2024) Symplectite formation in ultramafic achndrited by impact percolation of a sulfide melt. Geochimica and Cosmochimica Acta, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2024.08.011