Lab Members

Morgan Schaller

Edward P. Hamilton Associate Professor - Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Director - Center for Environmental Stable Isotope Analysis (CESIA) and the Environmental Science Program

My research uses stable isotope and fluid inclusion geochemistry and stratigraphy to evaluate the evolution of ancient atmospheric gas concentrations throughout Earth History, and the causes and consequences of mass extinctions and tectonic-scale climate change.

• PhD, Geology - Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

• MSc, Hydrogeology - Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

Contact: schall@rpi.edu | Curriculum Vitae updated Spring 2025

Google Scholar | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Mikayla Berman

PhD Student

Mikayla earned her BS in Physics in May 2023 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and elected stay to pursue her PhD in the Schaller lab. Her research is focused on the diffusion of carbon through calcite, the mechanics of isotope exchange under high temperature and pressure, and the bulk volatile and carbon isotope dynamics and modern and ancient soils.

Michael Naylor Hudgins

PhD Candidate

Michael received his BS in Earth Science with a concentration in Paleontology from George Mason University in 2018 and proceeded to the University of Alberta to receive his MS in Systematics and Evolution in 2021. Michael joined Schaller lab to pursue his PhD, and has since been researching the effects of the end-Triassic extinction on the Earth system. 

Justin Park

PhD Candidate

Justin earned dual BS degrees in Physics and Geology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is currently pursuing his PhD in Geology in the Schaller lab. His research is focused on reconstructing ancient atmospheres from gas trapped in fluid inclusions.

MAGPI Code for gas-aqueous partitioning of fluid inclusion volatiles (Park and Schaller, 2025) is available here.

Samantha Pryor

PhD Candidate

Sam received her BS in Astrobiology from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2021, after which she entered the Geology PhD program at RPI. Her current research focuses on the ability of aqueous microdroplets formed at the ocean surface to drive condensation reactions necessary for the emergence of life on the early Earth. Sam is co-advised by Jake Shelley. She enjoys spending time outdoors, especially with her dog, Puck.

Alexander Ryan

Undergraduate Researcher

Alex is designing, constructing, and testing SPLASHO - the Simulated Primordial Liquid Atmospheric Surface Hydrochemistry Oceanographer - a modular environmental chamber designed to mimic the surface environments of the prebiotic Earth and select extraterrestrial bodies with a high degree of accuracy and control.