S4E4: Exploring critical metals with Anna Bidgood

In this episode, we chat with our resident LA-ICP-MS expert, Dr Maurice Brodbeck, on the application of using laser ablation to determine the trace element geochemistry of important ore-forming minerals. Hosted and produced by Dr Claire Geel.

In this episode, Dr Anna Bidgood elaborates on the importance of critical metal research. Her story spans all the way from Zambia to the Arctic. Hosted and produced by Dr Claire Geel.

In this episode, Dr Eoin Dunlevy tells us about his research on the geology of SW Ireland and sheds light on some of the unique challenges of exploration in that region. Hosted and produced by Claire Geel and Niamh Faulkner. Edited by Claire Geel.

In this episode, we chat with Halleluya Ekandjo about her research on the Rosh Pinah Zn-Pb deposit in Namibia and her experiences as a PhD student in Ireland. Hosted and produced by Claire Geel and Niamh Faulkner. Edited by Claire Geel.

We kick off the new season of iCRAGorama by inviting Dr Danny Hnatyshin to tell us about the applications of Re-Os dating and how he went about setting up a world class laboratory at UCD School of Earth Sciences in Dublin. Hosted and produced by Claire Geel and Niamh Faulkner. Edited by Claire Geel.

In this very special reunion episode, twelve of our previous guests return! Ben and Niamh invite them to answer questions about research, careers and pursuing a PhD, submitted by students from UCD. A thirteenth special guest appears and we chat about the future of iCRAGorama. Hosted by Ben Couvin and Niamh Faulkner. Produced by Ben Couvin, Niamh Faulkner & Claire Geel. Original music by Harry Couvin. Edited by Claire Geel & Ben Couvin.

As iCRAG launches its second phase at the iCRAG 2021 event, we opened the show with a live taping of iCRAGorama! We interviewed Jennifer Craig, COO of iCRAG, and Koen Torremans, one of the first people to join iCRAG, who started as a post-doc and is now an Ad Astra assistant professor. We chat about their journeys and how working at iCRAG has changed their view on geoscience.  Hosted by Ben Couvin and Niamh Faulkner.  Produced by Ben Couvin, Niamh Faulkner and Fergus McAuliffe, with support from iCRAG.  Introduction produced and edited by Ben Couvin.

In this final episode of Season 3, we invited Dave Chew from Trinity College Dublin, and we asked him to tell us the history of the Earth and how its appearance changed from lava ball to Snowball to what it is now. We find out how sedimentary provenance analysis and zircon help us date the build-up of past mountain chains in Ireland and in the rest of the world. Hosted and produced by Niamh Faulkner and Ben Couvin. Edited by Ben Couvin.

Our guests in this episode have both helped getting geoscience more prominent within Irish politics. Quentin raises awareness on radon hazards in Irish homes, while Nick has just completed a placement at the Oireachtas, advising TDs on the potential of geothermal energy development in Ireland. They share with us their recent experience in the matter. Hosted and produced by Niamh Faulkner and Ben Couvin. Edited by Ben Couvin.

Martina O'Brien is the UCD Parity Studios/iCRAG Artist in Residence 2020. We asked her why she chose earth science and marine science as the main subject of her art work. She told us about her experience joining a science expedition at sea, and how her art projects always start out of curiosity. We then discussed the relevance of artists and scientists coming together and collaborating. Hosted and produced by Ben Couvin and Niamh Faulkner. Edited by Ben Couvin.