Summary
I am a NERC-funded PhD student in the Department of Earth Science and Engineering, under the supervision of Dr Matthew Genge. My research focuses on both extra-terrestrial and terrestrial microspherules in the geologic record and their application to palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate studies.
To understand these samples, I use electron microscopy and microanalysis techniques, including experience with atom probe tomography. My broader research interests include planetary science and cosmochemistry.
I am a student with the Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet (SSCP) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), within the Grantham Institute.
Education
- PhD, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London (2021-)
- MS, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Alabama (2019-21)
- BSc, Natural Sciences (Earth Science and Chemistry), Durham University (2016-19)
Publications
Abstracts
- Boyd M.R. & Genge M.J. (2023) Microspherules as Proxies for Lightning Strikes. 86th MetSoc. Poster #6214.
- Boyd M.R., Genge M.J., Tomkins A.G., Holtmann R. (2022) Lightning Strike Samples from the Pilbara, Australia: Criteria for Identifying Lightningogenic Spherules. 85th MetSoc. Poster #6224.
- Boyd M.R., Cartwright J.A., Singh J., Bagot P.A.J., Moody M.P. (2021) Nanoscale Chemical Heterogeneity in an Antarctic Micrometeorite Revealed by Atom Probe Tomography. 84th MetSoc. Poster #6278.
- Boyd M.R., Cartwright J.A., Singh J. Bagot P.A.J., Moody M.P. (2021) Investigating the Effects of Atmospheric Entry on Cosmic Dust Using Atom Probe Tomography. 70th Southeastern GSA. Talk #1-8.
- Boyd M.R., Cartwright J.A., Singh J. Bagot P.A.J., Moody M.P. (2021) Nanoscale Compositional Analysis of an Antarctic Micrometeorite Using Atom Probe Tomography. LPSC 52. Poster #2449.
- Boyd M.R. & Cartwright J.A. (2020) Compositional and Textural Diversity in Cosmic Dust: Investigating Micrometeorites from Cap Prud'homme, Antarctica. 52nd DPS, AAS. Poster #511.07.
- Boyd M.R. & Cartwright J.A. (2020) Searching for Evidence of Atmospheric Entry Heating in a Collection of Antarctic Micrometeorites. GSA 2020. Poster #141-9.
OUTREACH
I am committed to outreach and science communication activities, related to both planetary science and climate change topics.
- If you would like to find out more about my research, resources for 11-14 year olds are available here, through Imperial's Stem in Action programme.
- As a co-founder, I have been involved in the Music of the Earth project in association with Imperial's Grantham Institute, exploring the intersection between music and climate change.
- I am a co-host on The Core of Everything podcast, discussing the basics of geology and how the science of the Earth fits into every day life.
- I appeared as a panelist for the Maths in Space session of Mars Day 2023, organised by ESERO-UK, UKSA and ESA (available to watch here).
- I am also involved in the delivery of Imperial Outreach's mobile planetarium shows.
Please email me if you are interested in discussing these resources further.