Fiona D’Arcy

MSc graduate
McGill University

I was always fascinated by nature, and after discovering a passion for research at the Ontario Science School in Toronto I decided to pursue Earth sciences. I took up a bachelor’s degree specializing in geology with a minor in physics at the University of Ottawa, where I started working in Dr. Danielle Fortin’s geomicrobiology lab. I spent two years working on the environmental remediation of mine tailings, studying the bacteria present and their effect on the geochemistry of the surrounding iron minerals. On my exchange in Iceland I continued microbiology research and geochemical sampling while re-discovering my childhood wonder of volcanoes. In my final undergraduate year I ventured to the Canadian Arctic, completing my honours project with Dr. Ian Clark on the biodegradation of hydrocarbons in permafrost using stable and radiocarbon isotopes.

As a MAGNET trainee, I completed my Master’s degree in volcanic gas geochemistry at McGill University under the supervision of Dr. John Stix. I studied both present and past gases emanating from Turrialba volcano in the central valley of Costa Rica, using a combination of drone-mounted instrumentation, and isotopes in tree rings as a paleoproxy for degassing. I am excited to be starting a PhD in Fall 2018 as I continue refine my career as a geochemistry researcher!

Last updated May 2018