Alexandra Millar '09 was not planning on pursuing science at Hamilton. However, after working in the geosciences department during the spring semester, Millar (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) changed her mind. "I always liked rocks, but I never thought of it as a particular area of study," said Millar, who is planning on declaring a major in geoscience as a sophomore. Now, Millar is spending 10 weeks this summer working with Associate Professor of Geosciences David Bailey on a research project involving kimberlite dikes in central New York.
Kimberlite dikes are igneous, volcanic rock formations that are the principal original environment of diamond; however, only a small percentage of kimberlite dikes are diamondiferous. In South Africa, kimberlite is a huge source of diamonds, explained Millar, but none have been found in the dikes of central New York. Kimberlite dikes were discovered locally in the 1800's, but, explained Millar, "no one thought anything of them until they were discovered [to contain diamond] in South Africa." Still, "they can give great insight geologically into the history of central New York," said Millar.
This summer, Millar is doing chemical analyses of local kimberlite dikes in order to discover how and when they formed. Analyzing the chemical make-up of these samples can help pinpoint a time period for their formation. The samples she is working on are from the State Museum in Albany.
Millar hopes to continue with this project after this summer, possibly working on an extension of it for her senior thesis work in geosciences. In addition to her work in the lab, Millar is a member of the Hamilton Equestrian Team during the school year.
-- by Laura Trubiano '07
