I am a geologist, igneous petrologist, and geochemist working on a PhD at Rice University with Dr. Cin-Ty Lee. Currently, I am particularly interested in using altered volcanic ash (bentonites) in order to understand how continental arc volcanic systems change with time. While at Rice, I have also worked with Dr. Julia Morgan to assess the link between diagenetically altered volcaniclastic sediments and slow slip earthquakes. Prior to coming to Rice, I completed an undergraduate at Vanderbilt University. I spent my time at Vanderbilt taking a wide variety of classes as well as expanding my rock collection, which resulted in a major in Earth and Environmental Science and minors in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Trombone Performance. I additionally conducted undergraduate research with Dr. Guilherme Gualda. Outside of research, I can often be found with a trombone or a pair of knitting needles in hand (occasionally at the same time). I also enjoy getting back to my Kentucky roots through caring for and training horses.

I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out to sydney.m.allen@rice.edu with any questions about my research or life as a graduate student at Rice.