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Hello and welcome to my website!
I’m a geologist specializing in the geochemistry of trace elements, with a focus on critical elements essential to modern technologies, materials development, and the energy transition. My work combines field investigation, lab analysis, and data interpretation to understand the source and behavior of these elements within Earth’s systems and how that knowledge can support sustainable resource use, environmental protection, and responsible practices across materials and industrial sectors.
Mahsa Tashakor
Geochemist | R&D Engineer | Geo-Environmental Scientist
EXPERIENCES
June 2024 – June 2025
R&D Research Engineer
Project: Lithium in geothermal system- full-time contributor to a research project funded by Institut Carnot ISIFoR.
Process Development: Applied X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) on lithium-rich sandstone samples from Upper Rhine Graben to visualize 3D pore network evolution after hydrothermal fluid exposure.
Data Analysis: Utilized Dragonfly and deep learning-based segmentation to track microstructural changes.
Outcome: Integrate micro-CT, ICP-MS, SEM data; co-authoring a manuscript and presenting findings at the 2025 Goldschmidt Conference.
May 2023 – May 2024
Research Engineer
Project: Geochemical investigation of redox dynamics and trace element fluxes – Full-time contributor to U.S. NSF-funded research. Focused on: (1) Reconstructing OMZ-linked redox shifts in the Eastern Arabian Sea (over ~22,000 years); (2) Assessing historical Cd, Sb, and W fluxes in Lake Erie sediments (over ~130 years).
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Data Analysis: Processed XANES data with Athena software to determine metal oxidation states. Conducted elemental composition analysis of Lake Erie sediment cores to reconstruct historical trends in pollutant fluxes.
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Outcomes: Authored research outputs and review; two manuscripts currently under revision for publication.
July 2022 – March 2023
Applied Geoscientist
Supported an early-stage feasibility study of the Falémé East iron ore deposit in Senegal by providing geological and environmental insights to assess the viability and sustainability of resource exploitation.
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Data Collection & Analysis: Conducted fieldwork and sampling; integrated geological, geochemical, and economic data, including maps and historical reports, to inform deposit characterization and development scenarios.
Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinated with local authorities, including the Senegal Ministry of Mines, to secure field access, contextual data, and regulatory guidance.
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Reporting & Communication: Prepared bilingual technical reports (English/French); presented findings to government officials and local stakeholders in Senegal.
March 2020 – February 2022
Research & Teaching Associate (Functioned as Project Manager)
Assisted in the execution of national-scale projects on environmental management, responsible mining, and urban geochemistry.
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Sustainable Mining Policy: Co-developed a national framework aligning metal exploration, extraction, and beneficiation with international standards on environmental protection and resource efficiency; published in a three-volume report approved by the Department of Environment.
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Environmental Planning: Designed environmental management plans to assess and mitigate impacts of bauxite mining; delivered 7 technical reports to a leading lumina production company.
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Industrial Materials Analysis: Analyzed and evaluated silica sand properties to assess their suitability for various industrial applications, including glass and ceramics manufacturing.
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Urban Geochemistry Research: Investigated toxic metal accumulation in urban soils across three major metropolitan regions; findings published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
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Teaching & Supervision: Instructed M.Sc. courses in Research Methodology and Mining and Environmental Impacts. Advised a master’s thesis on the geology and environmental characteristics of a lateritic Ni deposit.
January 2016 – February 2020
Environmental Project Specialist – Mining & Infrastructure
Co-led environmental assessments and secured regulatory approvals for infrastructure and mining projects;
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Mining and Metal Processing Projects: Conducted environmental impact assessments (EIAs) with an emphasis on material extraction, tailings management, and pollutant dispersion from mineral processing. Contributed to technical analyses that led to a 90% permitting success rate from the Department of Environment.
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Desalination Systems Planning: Co-developed environmental protocols for site-selection and operation of desalination plants; authored a 12-volume technical report series approved by the Ministry of Energy.
SKILLS
Earth Materials Characterization & Analysis
Critical Raw Materials
(Primary & Secondary Sources)
Data Processing, Modeling & Visualization
Applied Research & Innovation Strategy
Environmental Geochemistry & Impact Assessment
Technical Reporting & Scientific Communication