Nancy L. Ross

Professor of Mineralogy and Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Studies, and Outreach (College of Science)

5060A Derring Hall

+1.540.231.6356 (Phone)

+1.540.231.3386 (FAX)

4044 Derring Hall (0420)
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Ph. D., 1985, Arizona State University
M.Sc., 1981, University of British Columbia
B.Sc., 1979, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Research Interests

The most fundamental questions in mineral physics and crystal chemistry are: "What minerals exist under given constraints of pressure, temperature, and composition, and why?" The major aim of my research is to address these questions and to understand the link between the atomistic factors and the stability of a mineral.

To achieve this goal, we use a combination of theoretical modelling with experimental techniques such as X-ray and neutron diffraction to determine the structure and volume relations of crystals, in conjunction with infrared, Raman and neutron spectroscopy to reveal the vibrational properties of minerals that govern their thermodynamic properties. Experiments are carried out under different P-T conditions, suitable for probing the Earth's interior.