Meet the team
Principal Investigator
Dr. Ryan Venturelli (she/her)
Venturelli@mines.edu
- Ph.D., Geological Oceanography, University of South Florida, 2021
- M.S., Earth and Quaternary Systems, Indiana State University, 2015
- B.S., Geology, Indiana University Northwest, 2013
Dr. Ryan Venturelli is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering with affiliations in the Hydrologic Science and Engineering and Geochemistry programs. Ryan’s work focuses on utilizing subglacial geologic archives and radiocarbon-based tools to reconstruct Holocene glacial processes in Antarctica. Ryan is a champion for safe and inclusive field and lab work, centering student success, and sharing the excitement of polar science with K-12 students. When she’s not working, you can usually find her playing with her dog, Pawson.
Postdoctoral Scholars
Dr. Marion McKenzie (she/her)
NSF-EAR Postdoctoral Fellow
marion.mckenzie@mines.edu
- Ph.D., Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, 2023
- B.S., Environmental Studies, Gettysburg College, 2019
Dr. Marion McKenzie is an NSF EAR Postdoctoral Fellow in the Rates and Dates lab studying dynamics and timing of Cordilleran Ice Sheet collapse. In this work, she uses a mixture of subglacial sedimentological records, radiocarbon analysis, and geomorphological mapping. Marion received her PhD from the University of Virginia in 2023 studying the impact of topography and geology on ice-flow dynamics across the deglaciated landscapes. During her PhD, Marion helped establish a department-level DEI committee and worked to build a supportive, communicative, and transparent work environment for graduate students. When not working with mud, she can be found reading, swimming, or taking her dog, Evy for a walk.
Graduate researchers
Ellie Miller (she/her)
Ph.D. Student and NSF Graduate Research Fellow
ellie_miller@mines.edu
- B.S., Earth and Environmental Science, Vanderbilt University, 2022
Ellie Miller is an NSF Graduate Research Fellow in the Rates and Dates lab studying past evolution of the Laurentide, Greenland, and West Antarctic ice sheets. Ellie’s love for glaciology blossomed through her undergraduate research at Vanderbilt University, where she dated detrital zircon from the Dry Valleys (Antarctica) using cosmogenic nuclides. Prior to joining the RaD lab, she pursued a Fulbright Research/Study Grant to Denmark and Greenland, allowing her to broaden the scope of her research to both poles. Beyond Ellie’s research pursuits, she is committed to making the field of cryospheric sciences more accessible to underrepresented groups and fostering a culture of co-generative research practices in Arctic Indigenous spaces. When she’s not working, you can usually find her flyfishing, hiking, practicing yoga, and attending concerts!
Jason Drebber (he/him)
Ph.D. Student
jason_drebber@mines.edu
- B.S., Geology, University of Vermont, 2022
Jason is a PhD student in the Rates and Dates lab studying the how, when, and why of past glacial change in Antarctica using compilations of paleoglaciological constraints. As an undergraduate student, Jason worked at the NSF/UVM Community Cosmogenic Facility where he conducted research dating the retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet through New England using cosmogenic surface exposure dating. In addition to his scientific pursuits, Jason has worked as an EMT since 2017! When he’s not working, you can find Jason reading, hiking, or skiing.
Joseph Ruggiero (he/him)
Ph.D. Student
joseph_ruggiero@mines.edu
- M.S., Geology, Northern Illinois University, 2022
- B.S., Geological Sciences, SUNY Geneseo, 2019
Joe Ruggiero is a PhD student in the Rates and Dates lab studying Antarctic Ice Sheet history using marine sediment archives and multi-proxy methods. His driving research questions involve how glaciated or otherwise cold environments have changed throughout Earth’s history and prior to joining the RaD lab, Joe’s M.S. research focused on quantifying Southern Ocean paleotemperatures using diatom morphometrics. When he’s not working, you can usually find Joe whitewater kayaking or reading supernatural mystery novels.
Lab pets!
Pawson (he/him)
Ph.D. (Pretty handsome doggo)
Snow enthusiast. Mostly here for treats.
Evy (she/her)
B.S. (Best snoozer)
Takes naps very seriously. Incredibly motivated by food.