Robert N Ulrich 11000 Weyburn Dr. Apt 724 Los Angeles, CA 90024
[email protected] — (703) 851-7276 Education University of California, Los Angeles September 2017 – Present Ph.D., Geochemistry Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University August 2013 – May 2017 B.S., Chemistry, 3.52 GPA B.S., Geosciences, 3.74 GPA Research Experience University of California, Los Angeles – Advisor, Dr. Aradhna Tripati September 2017 – Present Graduate Student Researcher, Using multiple geochemical tracers to shed light on a newly-discovered major mineral formation pathway for biominerals Purpose: To determine the effect of the amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) precursor on the clumped isotope signatures of crystalline polymorphs of calcium carbonate in both inorganic and organic synthesis. Techniques: GC-MS, vacuum line, acid digestion, apparatus design, flow-through experiments Virginia Tech Biogeochemistry Lab – Advisor, Dr. Patricia Dove June 2015 – June 2017 Undergraduate Student Researcher, The Mg-dependent solubility and local structure of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC) Purpose: Quantify the solubility product, Ksp, of ACC at standard temperature and pressure using 2+ - experimental methods that determine the effect of Mg and HCO3 concentrations. Techniques: pH measurements, flow-through experiments, XRD, SEM, APS synchrotron Undergraduate Student Researcher, Establishing Composition Systematics in the American Lobster Homarus americanus Purpose: Quantify distribution of elements magnesium, calcium, strontium, and phosphorus in the mineral and organic components of the lobster exoskeleton and determine relationships to the function of body components. Techniques: chemical extraction, ICP-OES, pH measurements, titrations Virginia Tech Sedimentary Systems Lab – Advisor, Dr. Brian Romans August – December 2014 Undergraduate Student Researcher, Petrographic characterization of axial versus marginal submarine channel sandstones, Tres Pasos Formation Purpose: Determine relationships between location within an oil field reservoir and quality or type of sediment.